Deal to end Lanzhou taxi strike

Local authorities in Lanzhou, Gansu province, have promised to provide enough natural gas to cabs on May 3, aiming to end a strike by taxi drivers largely due to a shortage of the fuel, according to Voice of China, a program of China National Radio.

Cabs in the northwest city of Lanzhou had stopped service since May 1 because the drivers found it very difficult to get natural gas.

After emergency measures by the local government, taxis began gradually resuming service as of noon on May 3.

The city has 6,800 cabs, and 23 compressed natural gas filling stations, which basically satisfy the fuelling needs of cabs. However, because of the skyrocketing price of gasoline, many private vehicles have also converted to natural gas, causing vehicles to line up at the stations, the report said.

One cab driver said that the waiting wasted his time and caused losses to his business.

In addition, three main stations suspended service simultaneously for equipment renovation and reconstruction at the end of April, aggravating the tension.

Local transportation authorities reported that only 500 cabs offered service on May 1, causing commuting difficulties for local residents.

The three stations have resumed service.

Local authorities also said they will build more filling stations.