Monday, January 10 2005 17:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Oil supplies to the tsunami- ravaged Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been restored to normal and public sector oil firms have stocked 15-30 days supply of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF and LPG.

"Full demand of petroleum products is being met and there is no report of non-availability of products," a Government press release said in New Delhi today (Jan 10, 2005).

MT Harsha tanker carrying fresh stocks of petrol, diesel, kerosene and jet fuel (aviation turbine fuel) today sailed from Haldia near Kolkata and is scheduled to reach Port Blair on January 13.

"The tanker is carrying 1000 kilolitres of ATF, 2700 kl of kerosene and 1830 kl of diesel," it said.

The chain of islands, which borne the brunt of last month's massive tidal waves that were triggered by an earthquake, have been stocked with six days' supply of LPG and 37 days' supply of kerosene.

"LPG stocks are being replenished on priority. An LPG tanker is expected to reach Port Blair on January 14. This would provide 75 days' cover," it said.

The islands have 25 days cover of petrol and 27 days cover of diesel. Jet fuel (aviation turbine fuel), used for refuelling aircrafts carrying relief materials, has been stocked to meet 12 days requirement at Andaman and 18 days' need at Car Nicobar.

Besides, public sector oil firms have contributed Rs 55 crore to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.