February 18, 2011. The truck drivers’ strike – which has seen much violence upcountry, but not too much impact on regular drivers thus far – enters a fifth day.
Send us your comments: Have you battled to get fuel in Durban?
With negotiators heading back to the table today there are hopes that an agreement will be hammered out soon before pumps in Durban run dry.
The knock-on effect in pricing of goods and fuel supply will probably only be felt later, according to some analysts, who believe the strike could contribute significantly to inflation.
Workers want an increase of 20% over two years and have dismissed the latest offer from trucking bosses of 8% for the next two years as ridiculous.
** Business Report reported that a further offer of 9% for 2011 and 8.5% for the following year made by the Road Freight Employers’ Association has been rejected by unions.
This morning (Friday, Feb 18) The Ridge Online did a quick survey of petrol stations. All of the following stations were serving customers fuel:
- Engen garage, 45th Cutting
- Alpine Road Shell
- Sydenham Total
- Shell petrol station, near Bird Park
- Zenex, Durban North (near Riverside Hotel)
- Total garage, corner Swapo and Kensington in Durban North
- Total, Umhlanga Rocks Drive
- BP garage Sunningdale on Umhlanga Rocks Drive
- Caltex in Ashley Avenue, Glenashley
So thus far the effects do seem limited, although a few local garages ran out fo petrol yesterday and had to be supplied overnight. There were queues at some garages.
2 Comments
Yes, I have battled to get petrol in Glenwood, Durban this morning. I went to three different garages and they did not have unleaded petrol. If the strike continues we may have huge problems.
Rush to fill before you get stuck on the road without fuel.
Thanks Bhekani. Keep us updated.