Ruckus at petrol pump

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tension gripped the Bharat Petroleum pump on the Vellayambalam-Vazhuthacaud Road on Thursday morning after motorists complained that the pump abruptly discontinued services.Long queues of motorcycles and four-wheelers had formed at the pump by 11 am, with many of the petrol bunks in the region either closed or out of fuel. According to motorists, the pump operators had suddenly discontinued services even though scores of people were waiting in the queue.A quarrel broke out between the motorists and the pump operators, who said they were only following instructions from the top. Later, the police arrived on the scene. They held talks with the pump officials and it was decided to restart services.Most pumps in the city remained shut on Thursday owing to the hartal.