Greenstone says fuel talks in Christchurch in good shape

Wednesday 23rd February 2011

Greenstone Energy said its fuel storage tanks at Lyttelton Port of Christchurch have come through yesterday's earthquake in good shape but it is diverting a fuel tanker to Timaru and will deliver fuel to Christchurch from there.

The company, which owns and operates Shell branded service stations, said 13 of its retail sites and four truck stops in the earthquake affected city were trading and it hoped to open more.

"Our tanks at Lyttelton appear to have come through the quake in relatively good shape, with no leakage," Greenstone chief executive Mike Bennetts said.

Inspections in the next few days would determine when the tanks can be safely used. "Greenstone has bulk tankage at the Port of Timaru and a large fuel delivery scheduled for Lyttelton has been diverted to Timaru and will discharge from 10pm this evening until all tanks are completely full. Fuel will then be bridged via trucks into Christchurch on an ongoing basis."

The company was working with emergency services to ensure fuel deliveries to generators and machinery being used in the rescue effort.

The company was also working with competitors to ensure supplies of fuel to the city.

Residents have been flocking to petrol stations to fill vehicles.

BP Oil New Zealand said many of its service stations in Christchurch were still closed but some were reopening after tanks and pipes were checked.

Initially fuel was held for emergency services but this restriction had been lifted.

NZPA

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