Portugal rations gas amid tanker drivers’ strike over pay
Posted Aug 12, 2019 04:57:12 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LISBON, Portugal — Portugal is rationing gas as tanker truck drivers begin an open-ended strike over pay.
The government has set a limit of 25 litres (6.6 gallons) for customers at gas stations until further notice.
Some truckers in other sectors of the economy have also joined the walkout that started Monday.
Anticipating gas and fresh food shortages, the centre-left Socialist government, which faces a general election in October, is forcing the truckers to provide a minimum volume of supplies.
Authorities hope to limit disruption by demanding that truckers maintain gas supplies to emergency services and airports, provide 75% of normal gas deliveries for public transport systems and 50% to gas stations.
All perishable goods and at least half of normal food supplies must also be delivered to stores.
The Associated Press
