Strike Closure Threatens Oil Supplies

THE giant Grangemouth oil refinery was closed down ahead of a strike by 1,200 workers in a bitter row over pensions which threatens fuel supplies.

The 1,700-acre site in Scotland, the main fuel supplier north of the border, was shut down by owners Ineos as it prepared for the 48- hour walkout by staff from tomorrow morning.

Oil giant BP today started making preparations to close down the Forties pipeline that delivers 30per cent of the UK’s daily oil output and which relies on steam and electricity from the nearby Grangemouth complex.

The development heightened fears of fuel shortages in Scotland and the North of England as motorists were urged not to panic-buy petrol and diesel.

Despite the pleas, supplies at many Edinburgh petrol stations were running low yesterday and one had run dry.

Several filling stations had just two or three pumps open, with queues two or three cars deep.

One driver was seen to fill up two jerry cans as well as the car tank before paying.

Tony Woodley, joint leader of the Unite union, addressed a mass meeting of more than 1,000 Grangemouth workers yesterday and said later they were determined to win the dispute.

It has been sparked by plans by Ineos to end its final salary pension scheme for new workers.

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