Kerala - Kochi

Fuel shortage hits people in the city hard

KOCHI: The distribution of petroleum products came to a standstill at most of the outlets in the city as a result of the strike by the oil sector officers, which was called off later in the evening on Friday.

The majority of petroleum outlets remained closed as the stock had run out. Many of them had been closed since Thursday evening.

The outlets of Hindustan Petroleum were not affected by the strike and long queues were witnessed there. Limited supply was offered at these outlets. It was a day of hardship for vehicle owners as none could guide them on what to do.

A representative of the All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders said the there were instances of the staff of some of petrol bunks being manhandled by angry consumers The city roads which bear a swollen appearance everyday, presented a thin look resembling a day of partial hartal. Most of the private vehicles kept off the thoroughfares in the absence of fuel supply at the bunks. Many of the private buses did not ply. A limited number of autorickshaws operated in the city, but most of the drivers demanded exorbitant rates.

The ongoing strike by transporters aggravated the people’s misery.

The markets were receiving limited supply of vegetables and other essential items. This has resulted in a marginal rise in the prices of vegetables and fruits.

A representative of the Oil Sector Officers Association said the officers would resume work and operations would resume on Friday night.

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