Petrotrin:
Don't panic
By
Carolyn Kissoon
South Bureau
Trinidad Express
Port
Spain
Petroleumworld.com
09 17 06
Operations at several plants belonging to State-owned
oil company, Petrotrin, remained at a standstill
as maintenance work continued yesterday.
A company official said that because
of the current labour situation at the refinery,
the annual maintenance work at six plants, including
the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit or Catcracker,
an essential plant used in the production of gasoline,
diesel and other petroleum products, had been brought
forward.
"Don't panic," was the
company's advice to motorists since there was enough
gas to supply the nation for the next three weeks.
The official said the Catcracker would remain down
until the other plants were started.
Nneka Luke, corporate communications
manager at National Petroleum, which distributes
fuel to gas stations, said it had no problems sending
out tankers to make deliveries. "Everything
is running smoothly," she said.
Shaffick Hyatali, the Oilfield Workers
Trade Union (OWTU) branch secretary, said the workers
reported for duty yesterday and were ready to work
when the plants resumed operations.
Hyatali said the union was locked
in discussions with management for the past four
days over wage increases and improved working conditions.
"There are indications that the company would
give us a favourable response with regard to the
wage negotiations," he said.
The union is asking for a 32 per
cent increase over three years. The company is offering
10 per cent. Discussions are taking place at the
Ministry of Labour.
There was zero production at the
refinery for several days last week because of the
shutdown of the plants, including the Number 2 Catalytic
Reforming Unit, Number 8 Crude Distillation Unit,
Number 4 Vacuum Distillation Unit and the Catcracker.
The
protest sparked massive panic buying which resulted
in long lines at service stations across the country.
Trinidad
Express
Friday, September 15th 2006
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