Litro Chairman statement
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s state owned Litro Gas Lanka Ltd hopes to eliminate the country’s cooking gas queues by the July 31 and to maintain adequate stocks in the country till the end of October, Chairman Muditha Pieris said.
The company commenced distribution on Monday July 11 after a period of interruption due to Sri Lanka’s inability to import stocks.
“From [Tuesday July 12] morning we will be distributing 120,000 cylinders,” Peiris said.
While prices on the 12.5 kg cylinders have been hiked, Pieris urged the public not to buy from the black market as Litro had made arrangements to procure 33,000 MT of gas till the end of July, and 100,000 MT to last till the end of October this year.
“We have already paid for the initial ships, and signed agreements with the World Bank. People will not have to wait a long time in lines because we have bought necessary stocks to fulfil the needs.”
Pieris said a shipment of 3,200 MT was due July 16 night, and a ship carrying 20,000 MT was currently nearing the Maldives sea.
Litro is also expecting to release gas to the Keravalapitiya Gas Terminal from four ships, starting July 20.
Sri Lanka’s gas shortage has forced many people to turn to firewood or kerosene stoves. Sri Lankans are also unable to deal with the rising costs of gas cylinders.
Litro officials had urged the public back in June to not queue up due to lack of supply.
At present, officials have instructed the public to produce their electricity bill for the month of May when buying gas, in a bid to reduce hoarding.
The country’s lack of dollars and downgraded ratings have made it difficult to ensure a steady supply of cooking gas and fuel. So far at least 15 people have died in the queues that have formed since March.
The gas shortage left many families unable to cook meals to feed themselves. In this situation, added to a food shortage, high inflation, power cuts and standstill of public transport, the majority of the country is currently dragging their way through daily life. (Colombo/Jul11/2022)
