Click to play videoNew Delhi: Eventually it was the government's tough resolve that helped resolve the oil crisis. After the Oil ministry made it clear there would be no concessions unless the strike was called off, the strikers began backing out.
The fear of complete dry-outs at petrol pumps had prompted panic buying across major cities and even after the good news in the evening that the strike has been withdrawn, motorists complained that pumps were running dry. Anxious consumers even used jerry cans to stock up.
The Government assessed it couldn't afford to anger consumers in an election year, so it moved in swiftly with a two-pronged strategy.
A Group of Ministers (GOM) under Home Minister P Chidamabaram to look into the charter of demands will give its report within 30 days.
"Strike is not the way and a crippling strike that cripples the economy, is certainly not the way," said P Chidambaram.
A detailed contingency plan which included calling in the territorial army to man some of the refineries helped spur reaction from the strikers.
But what really helped was a crackdown on the striking officers. Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) was invoked to arrest many officers.
Suspensions and sackings followed. Aware that the strike wasn't really popular the government worked on a policy of divide and rule, instilling fear among a majority of the striking officers.
Petroleum Minister Murli deora said "We are appealing, please join your work. It is very important and the country cannot afford a strike at this time," said Murli Deora.
The crackdown began after hurriedly arranged talks failed on Thursday night. Immediately it showed signs of a positive impact. BPCL officers called of their stir and then the big relief.
IOC's 12,000 officers called off the strike. Earlier in the day, officers knew that the strike was being broken and they wanted to negotiate.
Amit Kumar, President of OSOA told CNN IBN on phone, "We first have to have a meeting, discuss and thrash out the issues and then our officers all across the country will work double to resume the operation," indicating that the striking officers were willing to meet the government halfway and that any positive indication is enough.
The only worry to the consumers and the Government alike is that the OSOA has not officially called off the strike. It's the Government which has made the announcement. The situation will really crystalise only by Monday.
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