Could a Rail Strike Affect Energy Price and Availability? Yes, Say Experts

October 24, 2022--Written by Paul Wiseman for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--After seemingly averted in September, the threat of a national railroad strike has returned. On October 13, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division rejected the proposed settlement due to their dissatisfaction with amounts of paid sick time and working condition improvements. The union has, however, agreed to wait on a possible strike until Congress reconvenes on November 13, after mid-term elections. While a strike would have national and international implications on practically every supply-chain issue, one might think that energy would be spared, due to the fact that most oil and gas travels by pipeline. And there's truth in that, but other factors could come into play to push prices up and supplies down.