He, however, said HPCL was functioning normally, while BPCL was working 70 per cent till this morning and is "likely to improve".

Chidambaram said officers of HPCL and largely of BPCL have realised that strike was not the way to go about pressing their demands.

He said he has been asked by the Prime Minister to look into their grievances. "I wish to keep an open mind... My appeal to them is I am willing to hold the first meeting even today. They must come to meet me. They must call off their strike. They must recognise the intolerable burden they are placing on the people of India. If LPG is not available, how will families cook food for their children? If diesel is not available how will cars, buses run?" he said.