More than 80 per cent of petrol stations across Greece ran out of fuel on Tuesday after truck drivers entered the second day of an indefinite strike in protest at the government's attempt to open up their profession to competition, dpa reported
Some 35,000 drivers of trucks that carry fuel are taking part in the protest, the Greek daily Kathimerini newspaper reported.
The drivers are protesting the government's failure to consult them over the details of a draft law that seeks to liberalize their sector in line with European Union regulations.
News of the strike sent thousands of Athenians and Greeks in other parts of the country scurrying for fuel, resulting in long queues outside of petrol stations.
Fearing that the strike could extend for days, many drivers ended up pumping their tanks to the limit, leaving stations without petrol.
Greece's main labour unions have since February staged repeated strikes against the tough austerity measures and reforms the country has agreed with its euro zone partners and the International Monetary Fund in exchange for a 110-billion-euro (138 billion dollar) economic bailout.