An oil glitch has been blamed for ferry cancellations that left stranded passengers fuming yesterday morning. Transport officials said a problem with oil supplies meant crews had to make an ?on the spot? decision not to run the Dockyard fast ferry during the morning rush-hour.

Many travellers were late for work after being forced to find alternative transport by car or bus. And a Watford Bridge commuter hit out at the lack of communication and called for information screens at stops to keep passengers updated.

Permanent Secretary of Transport, Marc Telemaque, said the cancellations were caused by oil supply problems.

He said: ?There was an issue with our supplier of the appropriate oil for the ferry. As a precaution, crews had to make an on the spot decision to ensure the proper substitute product was used.?

He said he believed the usual oil used on the boats was not available on the Island yesterday morning, which also triggered some disruption on the Rockaway route. Mr. Telemaque apologised to passengers for inconvenience caused. But he said crews had to be ?absolutely certain? the right fuel was put into the engines, as any damage could lead to significant costs for taxpayers.

The problem was resolved in time for ferry schedules to return to normal by 10 a.m.

The Marine and Ports Services Department confirmed there had been some disruption on the Rockaway and West End routes yesterday morning.A statement read: ?Mechanical difficulties with some of the vessels in the fleet were the cause of the delays.?

Tina Wynn, from Sandys, arrived at Watford Bridge early only to be told about the cancellation of the 8.15 a.m. service by another passenger.

She raced to Rockaway in her 17-year-old Mitsubishi Lancer and got there at 8.28 a.m. ? only to see the 8.25 a.m. boat pulling away, leaving ?her and many other? 9 a.m. workers stranded. The next ferry was due to arrive just before 10 a.m. She said it was not the first time West End passengers had been ?stood up? and called for better communication if marine officials wanted to ?calm stormy seas with passengers?.

She added: ?Visual communication is seriously needed at the main ferry terminals in which the fast ferry operates during rush hours. ?We want to know when the ferry is late and when it will not show up for mechanical reasons.?