Tankers strike affects life in Mizoram

Aizawl, Feb 2 (UNI) Many petrol pumps went dry in Mizoram affecting normal life owing to the indefinite strike called by the Mizoram Petrol, Oil and Lubricants (POL) Carrying Contractors Association, demanding a hike in the carrying rate.

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

The contractors have been demanding at least Rs 3.64 per RTKM (round trip kilometre) but the IOC said it would not go beyond Rs 2.30 per RTKM.

However, the IOC officials were hopeful for a resolution after a fresh meeting today but only if the striking contractors came to the 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 protesting transporters to reconsider their decision in the public interest, and assured that the FCS&CA Minister has written to the Centre to look into the grievances of the contractors.

UNI