Officials at state-run oil firms have announced to start nation wide strike from Wednesday. They are demanding high wages and incentives for officials working at various refineries of country. Around 45,000 executives of public sector oil companies would join the strike to convey their resentment against Luke warm attitude of government on wages issue.

The strike would begin at 6 a. m. and it would adversely affect the operations of 17 refineries of about three oil marketing companies. The president of Oil Sector Officers Association, Amit Kumar said that ONGC's Hazira natural gas processing plant would remain non-operational following Officials strike. Declining the request of negotiations by government, OSOA president said, "We are only being offered verbal assurances and there is nothing concrete."

Meanwhile, government is working on plans to ensure smooth supply of petroleum products, including LPG in the wake of strike. It has also warned of stern actions against those abstaining from work. Petroleum Secretary, R. S. Pandey said,"We are not vindictive against our own officers. All we want is that the economy be not impacted and citizens are spared any hardship."

The strike would affect working of Koyali refinery, Panipat refinery, Mathura refinery and the Haldia refinery leading to low refined crude output. Private refiners Reliance Industries and Essar Oil would not join strike and may be asked to supply petroleum products if needed.