– The government has moved to end a growing fuel shortage, instructing private fuel distributors to maintain uninterrupted supplies as long queues of motorists form at filling stations across the country.
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the Ministry Secretary is expected to issue a written notification to the companies today (06), directing them to ensure fuel is distributed without shortages. He added that the companies will also be instructed to maintain minimum fuel stocks.
The move follows reports that private fuel companies operating in Sri Lanka have scaled back distribution, claiming they are making losses on fuel sales because of rising global fuel prices. The slowdown has left many filling stations across the island without stock, with motorists waiting in long queues to fill up.
Responding to an inquiry, Minister Karunathilaka confirmed that the decision was taken in view of the current situation. Meanwhile, instructions have also been issued to increase fuel supplies to filling stations operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to ease the ongoing shortage.
A special discussion on the issue is scheduled for tomorrow (07), with officials of the Ministry of Energy and the CPC expected to attend, along with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Kusum Sandanayake, Deputy Chairman of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association, said the government must provide an urgent remedy to the current fuel problem.