Kochi: With the ongoing tanker strike entering fourth day on Monday, a majority of fuel outlets of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in the state have been affected.
“Nearly 700 out of 950 fuel outlets of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in the state have been affected as on Monday evening. The supply of aviation fuel from Irumbanam plant to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram airports have also been stalled which may start affecting flight operations from tomorrow onwards,” a senior IOC official told DC. A section of tanker lorries that ferry fuel to retail outlets from the Kochi and Kozhikode depots of the IOC are on strike demanding modification of the tender conditions including fare.
“Most of the fuel outlets of IOC in Kochi are found to be closed. However, some others are selling high grade fuel (extra premium) only that costs higher. Their stock is also limited,” the official said. Meanwhile, as a way out transport Minister A K Saseendran has taken the initiative and scheduled a talk with the striking tanker lorry owners and drivers at Thiruvananthapuram at 5 pm on Tuesday. However, the IOC management has made it clear that some of the demands like including owners of single lorry in tenders for retail fuel supply are non-negotiable. On the demand to hike the fare from Rs 2.02 per km to Rs 3.50, the company warned that it would result in further escalation of fuel cost.
