Fuel stocks run out in Indian state as tanker strike enters sixth day

KOLKATA, India (AFP) – Oil tankers were set to refuel pumps in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal after a six-day strike was put on hold pending the outcome of talks on transportation charges.

A two-week window for compromise came as petrol pumps in the state capital Kolkata were almost dry and public transport was severely cut back, with only a quarter of public buses operating in the city of 12 million people.


“We are postponing the strike for 15 days considering the assurance of the state transport minister,” said Ajit Das, an official with the West Bengal Tankers’ Association, which went on strike Thursday.

“West Bengal transport minister Subhas Chakrabarty has assured us to take up the issue with the federal government so that our demands are met.”

AFP