Bengal tanker strike enters second day

Kolkata, Jan 26 (UNI) The strike of tanker operators continued for the second day today in West Bengal as the threat of petroleum scarcity loomed large over the state.

About 2,000 oil tankers did not roll out from the Buj Buj and Maurigram terminals disrupting supply of petroleum products.

West Bengal Tankers Association President Ajit Das said the strike would continue till the demands were met.

''It is impossible for us to operate tankers with the amount of payment being given by the state-owned petroleum companies'', he added.

Meanwhile, the Indian Oil authorities said the supply of petroleum products in South Bengal would be affected because of the strike. IOL authorities also criticised the tanker operators claiming that their demand for higher transportation rate was unjustified.

Petroleum Dealers' Association President Tushar Kanti Sen said the state was under the threat of petroleum crunch if the strike continued.

''If the strike continues, it would not be possible to maintain normal supply in Kolkata and the adjoining districts,'' he said.

UNI