National Petroleum senior managers manned the filling gantry at the head office and deployed contract tankers to meet the overwhelming demand for gas today. Several popular gas stations were closed today others packed with drivers queued up to fill their tanks. NP communication personnel say that the current situation is as a result of increased demand and not diminished supply.
Though the company yesterday released a statement warning the public against panic buying, it was not enough to stop the mad rush to the filling stations. Some fuel pump ran dry early yesterday evening.
Rae Gilbert, media relations officer at NP today explained that already 10-12 contract tankers were sent to ease the fuel dilemma.
Today's situation was a result of the strike action by NP employees yesterday. The fall out affected the fuel situation a the Piarco International Airport and the majority of fuel stations dotted around the capital.
Ancel Roget, president of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), the body representing the workers, today said he was not apologising for the situation
"This is not like when Public Servants march. Only when the situation comes to this, then people recognise and respect the role that the oil workers play," he said.
Roget warned that the situation could worsen if the workers wage demands were not met. The workers are currently engaged in a wage negotiation process with NP management to increase the five per cent offer on the table.
"We are not accepting that," Roget reiterated today.
NP again noted that the gas shortage would be resolved within the next few hours. Caribbean Trakker is closely following the unfolding situation.
Though the company yesterday released a statement warning the public against panic buying, it was not enough to stop the mad rush to the filling stations. Some fuel pump ran dry early yesterday evening.
Rae Gilbert, media relations officer at NP today explained that already 10-12 contract tankers were sent to ease the fuel dilemma.
Today's situation was a result of the strike action by NP employees yesterday. The fall out affected the fuel situation a the Piarco International Airport and the majority of fuel stations dotted around the capital.
Ancel Roget, president of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), the body representing the workers, today said he was not apologising for the situation
"This is not like when Public Servants march. Only when the situation comes to this, then people recognise and respect the role that the oil workers play," he said.
Roget warned that the situation could worsen if the workers wage demands were not met. The workers are currently engaged in a wage negotiation process with NP management to increase the five per cent offer on the table.
"We are not accepting that," Roget reiterated today.
NP again noted that the gas shortage would be resolved within the next few hours. Caribbean Trakker is closely following the unfolding situation.
