A union representing British fuel tanker truck drivers says it will hold new talks aimed at resolving a pay dispute.

The dispute has led to fuel shortages in some areas and the government says 647 of the country’s 8,700 gas stations have been affected in some way.

The strike began Friday after talks between the UNITE union and trucking companies Hoyer and Suckling Transport broke down. The companies are contracted by Shell to deliver fuel to its gas stations.

Although the strike is due to last until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Shell UK’s chairman James Smith says he is optimistic.

Smith told the British Broadcasting Corp. Sunday he was delighted by the “great news” and hoped for a resolution. Shell has refused to get directly involved in the dispute.