There will be no sudden or large-scale disruptions to the supplies of fuel in Finland next week despite the planned political strikes, according to a statement issued on Friday afternoon by the Finnish Transport and Logistics body SKAL.
The group issued the statement in response to comments by the National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) that next week's planned walkouts by export industry workers could, and likely would, see petrol stations run out of supplies.
SKAL said however that any impacts on supply would remain at a local, and not national, level.
The transport sector group's statement further noted that fuel companies would try to use different means to ensure that there are no shortages in fuel supplies.
Neste refinery to remain open
Separately on Friday, Finnish fuel firm Neste announced that its refinery in Porvoo will remain open next week even if the planned political strikes go ahead.
In a statement, the company said it had reached an agreement with the Industrial Union and the Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT) that ensures the continued operation of the refinery during the two-week walkout by union members, which is scheduled to begin on Monday.
"This [agreement] will enable the safe operation of the Porvoo refinery and the delivery of socially critical products with significant impact on security of supply. However, the measures do not guarantee uninterrupted fuel supply," a Neste spokesperson informed Yle by email.
Reports earlier this week suggested that the plant would be forced to close as a result of the strikes.
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