Industrial problems at Petrotrin; fuel runs out as motorists panic

File: Ancel Roget

President general of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) Ancel Roget told reporters Monday all operations at Petrotrin's Pointe-a-Pierre refinery have been shut down. 

"The producing fields, the marine operations and also the entire refinery...is down and therefore the refinery is non-functional," Roget stated.

He also claimed that contrary to what management is telling the public, there is no contingency plan for the supply of fuel to service stations. 

Several gas stations ran out of fuel Monday as motorists engaged in panic buying caused by news of the industrial action. The union is protesting unfilled vacancies, the lack of variable pay and the State's decision to grant a new contract to Bunkers Oil Trinidad and Tobago.

Roget said the union will meet with workers Tuesday. A meeting has also been scheduled with Minister of Energy Kevin Ramnarine.