Friday, November 16, 1973
OIL DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE
Reviews Progress On Action Plans
The Oil Distribution Committee, chaired by Mr. Roy Porter, met
this morning to review progress on action plans initiated at its previous
meeting last Tuesday (November 13).
The Committee examined all those sectors of the community which
used fuel and petroleum products. The importance of the sectors in relation
to the essential livelihood of Hong Kong was discussed to identify areas
where economies can be made with the minimum of disruption and inconvenience.
The Committee also examined the stock situation and noted that it
remained normal and that further deliveries of different products were
scheduled to arrive over the next few weeks.
Nevertheless with the uncertainty of the oil situation in the world,
the Committee decided to recommend to the Oil Policy Committee that it
would be prudent to make some economies in the near future. Such economics
would be directed towards cutting out waste and reducing demands for electricity.
The drafting of legislation to provide the Government with powers
to deal with a possible shortage continues as a matter of urgency.
Representatives of the oil companies stated that they have already been
resisting pressures to supply quantities of bunkering fuel oils and aviation
fuels. They will continue to regulate deliveries in order to maintain stocks
in Hong Kong to meet normal needs.
Discussions and consultation will now take place with representatives
and experts from the fields of public transport, industry and the public
utilities.
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