Greece out of gas

Nearly 90% of petrol stations in Greece have run out of unleaded petrol according to Greek media reports. As tanker drivers continue their strike the country is rapidly grinding to a halt as drivers find it harder and harder to fill their tanks. In a meeting of the tanker driver's federation striking workers decided to continue their protest since there has been no reply on the part of the state to their demands as they and not been called for talks by the ministries in charge.

The week long stoppage has been called in order to demand a rise of 13% in payments which drivers say is necessary to deal with the dramatic rise in running costs caused by spiralling oil prices and other running costs.

Lack of fuel is starting to affect the supply of many basic goods as imports lay untouched in the country's ports. In addition the few stations still offering petrol have started rationing supplies.

On Monday Taxi drivers will take part in a 24 hour strike which is aimed at getting the government to increase fares by 5%