The possibility of a strike by fuel distributors seemed to recede yesterday after representatives said the government had met its pledge to reimburse them with tax rebates due 24 hours ahead of the deadline. On Sunday, the Gasoline Station Owners’ Federation voted to shun the new system of heating fuel distribution, which was launched on Friday and is designed to fight illegal fuel trading, if the Finance Ministry failed to meet the three-day deadline. A number of distributors, however, still oppose the new system.