Petroleum Distributors Deny Fuel Station Closures; Blame Media Reports

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Petroleum Distributors' Association emphasized that they have never closed any fuel stations and that the media reports claiming otherwise are false.

This statement came after a meeting with the Chairman of the Petroleum Corporation.

The Association clarified that they have agreed to continue operating their fuel stations for the next two weeks under the new pricing mechanism introduced by the Corporation.

"We had fuel available, and the public came to get fuel. The media falsely reported that fuel stations were closed. Not a single station was closed; we continued operations as usual, even at a loss, to provide fuel," said W.S.S. Fernando, Chairman of the Petroleum Distributors' Association.

Senior officials, along with the Chairman of the Petroleum Corporation, participated in the discussion with the fuel station owners.

Kumara Rajapaksha, Chairman of the Fuel Station Owners' Association, stated that during these two weeks, if any shortcomings or necessary amendments in the new mechanism are identified, the Chairman of the Corporation has agreed to address them.

Both the Distributors' Association and the Fuel Station Owners' Association have agreed to continue uninterrupted fuel distribution.

"Currently, the Corporation is paying Rs. 3 per liter. We have agreed to continue this for two weeks and then review and make necessary adjustments," Rajapaksha added.

D.A. Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Petroleum Legal Corporation, mentioned that they have reached a final decision based on the new discount rates introduced.

"Within a month, we will be operating under this new scheme. If there are any issues, they will provide us with the actual costs, and we will meet again on the 18th of this month to discuss and resolve all issues," he said.