The Mumbai harbour today partly resumed operations five days after the collision between two merchant vehicles MSC Chitra and MV Khalijia 3. Traffic was restored partially with the Indian Navy escorting 12 freighters in and out of the Mumbai port. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai today after the visiting the accident site, Union Shipping Minister Mr. G.K. Vasan informed that the work for restoring normal traffic along the Mumbai coast was a top priority. He added that the officials of Coast Guard and the Indian Navy were working in tandem with the Mumbai port authorities to clear the navigation route fully by Sunday. He informed that today’s freighter movement was assisted by a helicopter and a minesweeper ship which ensured that the channel was clear for the convoy.Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Mr. Murli Deora has refuted claims of fuel scarcity arising due to the oil spill and the suspended water transport at the Mumbai ports. Speaking at the same press conference, Mr. Deora said that all petroleum products including crude oil were available in sufficient amounts and maintained that there would not be any shortage of any petroleum product.Mr. Vasan also held a high level delegation meeting with Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Mr. Ashok Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, State Transport Minister, Mr. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, state health and environment Minister, Suresh Shetty along with officials of the Coast Guard, Indian Navy, petroleum ministry and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. He informed reporters that a committee has been formed by the shipping ministry to look into the causes of the accident and its report is expected in a month. He added that till then it would be wrong to play any blame game.Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Mr. Ashok Chavan today thanked the Centre for its support in clearing the Mumbai Port. He also informed reporters that the Centre has given its nod to shift all unclaimed hazardous material from the Mumbai Port Trust. This decision came in the wake of the recent chlorine gas leak that affected more than 100 people in the city.