Oil workers' strike results in critical fuel shortage in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria -- Many gas pumps went dry in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Saturday on the third day of a pay strike by workers in the downstream oil marketing sector.

Fuel-starved motorists flocked to outlets in the sprawling city as early as dawn and queued for gasoline that would not come.

"It is terrible, I have been here since 4.30 a.m. (0330 GMT) and still can't get fuel to buy," said one.

"I just hope they (marketers) are not trying to force us to buy at black market rate and achieve the fuel price increase they have been clamoring," another motorist said.

The few gas stations with fuel said stock was last delivered three days ago.

Oil tanker drivers had abandoned their trucks at fuel depots because of the strike.

The workers have been demanding to be paid the new monthly minimum 7,500 naira ($73) minimum wage approved for federal civil servants last May by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The workers defied a directive from union leaders on Tuesday to suspend the strike and allow for negotiations with their employers.

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