Drivers’ strike disrupts fuel supplies

A SUDDEN protest by 50 oil-tanker drivers yesterday interrupted the transport of fuel on the island.

Ports, petrol stations, airports, factories and quarries were all affected after tanker drivers working for BP, Esso, and Mobil oils – all suppliers of the fuel transport company Saipoil – expressed their disapproval outside the buildings of the three multinational companies in Larnaca.

The event which sparked the turmoil was an accident which had happened in Pissouri four and a half months ago, involving driver Nicos Zougrou, who has since been suspended pending the outcome of his trial by the Limassol district court.

Zougrou’s colleagues are claiming the driver has in fact been fired and are calling for his reinstatement.

Larnaca airport was not affected due to the existence of large fuel stocks in storage reserves at the airport.

Not so fortunate, however, were three cruise ships at Limassol port, which remained without fuel supply.

A meeting between union representatives and management of the three companies involved resulted in a proposal to bring Zougrou back to work for the next fortnight until unions and company representatives meet again to discuss the issue.

But the strikers were not impressed by the proposal, demanding to see Zougrou back for good.

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