Petroleum trade unions have decided to temporarily call off their strike after discussions with the President.

Accordingly, the strike has reportedly been called off until next Tuesday (01).

Several trade unions of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) launched a strike action from 12.00 am on Tuesday (25).

The strike was based on three demands; the acquisition of Trincomalee Petroleum tanks complex to the CPC, acquisition of Hambantota Port tanks complex to CPC, and the modernization of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery.

As soon as news about the impending strike came to light, long queues were seen formed at petrol stations the previous night.

Considering the inconvenience faced by the people, the Government last night (25) declared storage, transport and distribution of petroleum as an essential service through a gazette under the Essential Public Services Act.

Tri-forces personnel and Police entered the storage terminals in Muthurajawela and Kolonnawa today (26) morning, and resumed the distribution process with the assistance of employees not taking part in the strike. 

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade unions engaged in the strike action earlier today (26) agreed to carry out essential services until 6.30 pm, when discussions were expected to be held with relevant authorities.