Over 160 offshore rig workers in the North Sea are set to strike for 24 hours starting Wednesday, as tensions rise between trade unions and oil companies. The Unite union warns that this action could significantly disrupt UK fuel supplies, particularly affecting the Forties Pipeline System, which accounts for about 30% of the nation's oil production.
The strike follows ongoing pay negotiations with Apache, the operator of the affected platforms. Despite plans to use contractors during the strike, the potential for reduced production raises concerns about energy supply stability in the UK, especially with winter approaching and global fuel crises impacting availability.