New Delhi: The oil sector officers association appears to be divided on the issue of going ahead with the proposed strike from Tuesday morning in the wake of an appeal by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to call off the agitation. Dr. Singh is also believed to have agreed in principle to set up a wage revision committee for Central public sector enterprises (PSEs).

Dr. Singh took the decision after Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Deb met him late on Monday.

"Carry on duties"

The Prime Minister appealed to the oil sector executives to "carry on their duties in the best traditions of Central public sector enterprises." A similar appeal was made by Mr. Deora, who urged the officers to withdraw the strike in view of the "sensitive phase" through which the oil PSEs were passing through. He cited the unprecedented rise in global oil prices as well as "the adverse impact that a strike would have on the common man."

The two Ministers apparently held discussions with Dr. Singh on the effect that the proposed strike would have on the economy in general and the public sector oil companies in particular.

The national oil companies are already under acute strain due to the extraordinary heights to which world oil prices have reached in recent months and their inability to raise retail prices of critical products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG. The prospects of a prolonged strike of oil sector executives is likely to increase the pressures on these companies which are expected to be saddled with under-recoveries of Rs. 79,000 crore in the current fiscal.

A Petroleum Ministry statement issued here says the Department of Public Enterprises has recommended setting up a wage revision committee for executives of Central PSEs of board level, below board level and non-unionised employees with effect from January 1, 2007.

"Mr. Deora also requested the Prime Minister that the recommendation for setting up a pay revision committee should be considered favourably," it was stated.

Contingency plan

Earlier, the Government said a contingency plan had been prepared to meet the problem, including calling retired employees back to work, especially at airports.

The impact of the strike is expected to be most immediate in the case of aviation operations such as refuelling at airports. Oil production and refining activities are also likely to be affected if the strike continues for some time.

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