Mizoram faces problem after tankers strike

Aizawl, Feb 2 (UNI) The indefinite strike called by the Mizoram Petrol, Oil and Lubricants (POL) Carrying Contractors Association, demanding hike in the carrying rate, affected life as many petorl pumps went dry.

The strike intensified after failure of a tripartite talk between the POL leaders, IOC and the state's Food, Civil Supplies&Consumers Affairs department yestarday.

The contractors have been demanding at least Rs 3.64 per RTKM (round trip kilometre) but the IOC would not go beyond Rs 2.30 per RTKM. However, the IOC officials were looking forward for a fresh meeting today to iron out deadlock if the strikers came to negotiating table.

Meanwhile, the FCS&CA department had expressed disappointment over the contractors ''unexpected,'' move and decided to make another effort for immediate solution.

Official sources said the department had instructed Mizofed, the state corporation, to inform all its branches and tankers to take initiatives for transportion and distribution of oil during crisis period.

The department had appealed to the strikers to reconsider their decision for the sake of public, and assured that the FCS&CA Minister had sent a letter to the Union Minister to look into the grievances of the carrying contractors.

UNI