(VIDEO) Long queues for fuel, Minister assures no shortage

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lengthy queues were seen at filling stations across the island on Tuesday (16). According to reports from our correspondents across Sri Lanka, some people have left their homes as early as 5 in the morning to buy kerosene oil and pump fuel. In some instances, people bought petrol instead of kerosene as the latter was out of stock. Diesel shortages were also reported in several areas. Amidst this chaos Subject Minister Udaya Gammanpila at a Cabinet media briefing reiterated that there is no fuel shortage in Sri Lanka and If there is going to be one, it is his primary responsibility to ensure it is taken care of. '' People stayed in long queues to buy fuel, disregarding the risks of COVID and floods during the past few months after attempts by several factions were made to pinpoint that there will be a fuel shortage '', the Gammanpila said. The Minister further noted, as a country Sri Lanka neither does produce fuel nor it has sufficient dollars to purchase fuel and the nation lacks storage facilities. But amid the challenge, they've managed to supply fuel without a hindrance. He assured that in the event of a future shortage, they will keep the general public informed, assuring that the Sapugaskanda oil refinery will not be sold. '' I am unaware of rumours on privatizing the refinery, if anyone is planning to buy it without my knowledge please let me know'', the Minister said. Udaya Gammanpila told his advice to a potential investor coming to Sri Lanka is that it is much more profitable to build a brand new refinery rather than purchasing the existing one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYU-Lo9JWWw&t=8s