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Grangemouth refinery
24/04/2008
The Scottish Government has prepared contingency plans to deal with the potential effects of a two day strike at the Grangemouth oil refinery which is due to go ahead on Sunday.
In a statement to Parliament, Finance and Sustainable Growth Secretary John Swinney said:
"One of the most important messages to give is that people should not change their normal fuel buying patterns. We urge the people of Scotland to be sensible and only to buy the fuel that they need. We encourage people to make the journeys they require to and to use public transport.
"We will continue to monitor demand and work with fuel retailers to manage the situation. It would clearly be unacceptable if any retailer were to take advantage of the potential of localised fuel shortages and increase prices. I would call on all retailers to ensure that increased prices are avoided at all costs."
Read the full text of Mr Swinney's statement
Earlier, at First Minister's Questions, FM Alex Salmond said:
"Assuming consumer behaviour is responsible, then there should be limited difficulties, both in terms of inconvenience and disruption.
"Clearly, it's a time when we need everyone, and the public's cooperation, to behave sensibly and responsibly, to cut out non-essential trips, to use public transport."
Talks between the Grangemouth management, Ineos, and the union Unite have failed to resolve the dispute which involves around 1,200 employees.
Grangemouth is Scotland's only oil refinery and normally distributes fuel supplies throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England.
Read the full text of Mr Swinney's statement