Railway strike has resulted in nationwide fuel shortages

The ongoing TransNamib railway strike, which began on 4 September 2008, has resulted in nationwide fuel and coal shortages, according to reports released on 9 September. Supplies are apparently currently being held up in Walvis Bay, where approximately 200 employees have stopped working; Walvis Bay is one of Namibia's primary transit points for petrol, jet fuel, coal and sulphuric acid. Some companies have begun using trucks to transport fuel to Namibia's interior, but shortages have been reported throughout the country. Sources at Hosea Kutako International Airport (FYWH/WDH) in Windhoek have stated that their storage tanks are not full but insist that the airport is not currently suffering from a shortage of jet fuel; this may change, however, as the strike continues. TransNamib workers are striking to force the reinstatement of the company's CEO and to demand the removal of the current board of directors. Negotiations to resolve the strike are ongoing, but it is not clear when the labor action will end.