Long Queues for Fuel, and Gas as crisis worsens in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); With the intention of obtaining fuel and gas, people across the country are still waiting near filling stations and gas stations to make purchases.

Although many people have received tokens they are still unable to obtain fuel and LP Gas.

In the meantime, The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will NOT be able to source a petrol shipment until 22nd July, said Sagala Ratnayake the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (29).

He told a gathering of news media personnel that even if the CPC has funds, it is unable to access a fuel shipment.

The Chief of Staff of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka currently has 11,000 MT of Diesel, 5,000 MT of Petrol, 30,000 MT of Furnace Oil, and 800 MT of Jet Fuel.

He said that 38,000 MT of Diesel will be received between the 11th and 15th of July.

Ratnayake said the existing stocks of Diesel will only be available for essential services until the new shipment reaches the country.

He went on to note that there will be no issue concerning the supply of gas, as Litro will procure 100,000 MT of gas for the next four months and shipments of 33,000 MT will arrive on the 6th, 10th, 16th, and 19th, 21st, and 31st of July.

Litro will be purchasing LP Gas with the Assistance of the World Bank and the purchasing agreement will be signed on Wednesday (29) or Thursday (30).