Some Shell station pumps run dry after delivery glitch

Petrol supply at about half a dozen Shell stations was disrupted in the last few days when a fuel transport company faced a sudden manpower shortage. Stations in Bukit Batok, Alexandra Road, Hougang, Serangoon Gardens, Yio Chu Kang and Sengkang are said to be among those affected.

The transportation glitch resulted in Shell running low on fuel, with the popular 95-octane variety running out at several stations. When asked for 95-grade fuel, it was re-directed to other kiosks by the attendant.

It is believed that supplies ran dry when some tanker drivers from home-grown firm Sin Hiap Hoe, who were unhappy with pay-related issues, failed to show up for deliveries from as early as Sunday.

Shell spokesman said: 'We have been advised by our haulier that they are facing some manpower constraints. This has led to disruptions in distribution schedules, resulting in temporary low stocks for some fuels at a few of our sites. We are working closely with Sin Hiap Hoe to resolve the situation swiftly.'

The company, which has been around since the 1950s and has been a long-time transporter for Shell, also hauls fuel to Singapore Petroleum Company (SPC).

But SPC stations have not been affected. Industry sources said this may be because SPC is serviced by another team in Sin Hiap Hoe.

Petrol supply at stations is replenished every one to two days. The disruption is estimated to have cost Shell up to $100,000 in lost sales so far.