Only limited amount of petrol available till 23rd June

Only a limited amount of petrol is available till around 23rd June so the public have been urged not to queue outside fuel stations till then.

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera requested the public to allow the available stocks to be purchased by three-wheel drivers, doctors and others engaged in essential services.

He said that the authorities are hopeful of securing more fuel from a ship on 23rd June.

The Minister also said that Lanka IOC has been requested to release more fuel to its fuel sheds.

With work-from-home declared for non-essential State sector employees this week and schools also closed, the Minister urged the public to allow the existing fuel supplies to be utilised by three-wheel drivers and those engaged in essential services.

The Minister also said that tenders were called for to supply fuel to Sri Lanka but no offers were made.

As a result the Government is looking at alternative options to secure fuel.

The Minister also said that the Government is in talks with a number of countries to secure credit to purchase fuel.

He said that it will take time for the fuel distribution to be fully normalised and the Government remains hopeful. (Colombo Gazette)