Cannot blame LIOC for the shortage: PM

7 November 2017 07:39 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While saying that the current petrol crisis will be probed as to who caused it, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today he could not agree with the criticism heaped on the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) for the crisis.

The Prime Minister was referring to a statement made by Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake and joint opposition parliamentary group leader Dinesh Gunawardene who earlier said the petrol shortage would not have taken place if LIOC was not allowed to get involved in the fuel distribution of the country.

The Premier said the current crisis was probably caused by others and that it would be probed.

“The fuel supply was maintained to some extent during the recent strike action launched by petroleum workers, thanks to the LIOC," the Prime Minister said.

He said oil tanks in Trincomalee were given to LIOC because CPC was not able to make use of it for a long time due to the lack of financial resources.

"We inquired from India whether it was interested in investing in this and they agreed and an MOU was signed," the Prime Minister added.

Referring to the allegation that he sought Cabinet approval to acquire 10 oil tanks in Trincomalee of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) with another cabinet memorandum, the Prime Minister said the second memorandum which he submitted, only said that the government should look into the agreement before making a decision.

The Prime Minister said he and the President had already discussed with the Indian High Commissioner on getting another shipment of Petrol from India and that this would be in addition to the shipment due to arrive in Colombo tomorrow. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 12

predictor Tuesday, 07 November 2017 08:05 PM

getting petrol from India This is what happens when you give power and energy handle to foreigners. They will control the entire country when you go against their demands. via DM Android App

ANTON Tuesday, 07 November 2017 08:31 PM

NOT LIOC, YOU MUST BE BLAMED FIRST.

mano Tuesday, 07 November 2017 09:00 PM

You are confusing with your comment,both should be blamed.

Jaffna Man Tuesday, 07 November 2017 09:04 PM

This Prime Minister is defending the indefensible,where is his loyalty,is to India or to Sri Lanka.

Sharon Wednesday, 08 November 2017 10:03 AM

Of course... You are to be blamed...

Janaya Wednesday, 08 November 2017 10:19 AM

petrolling.

Lord Wolfstein Wednesday, 08 November 2017 11:30 AM

It should be permitted for all major oil companies like Shell, Exxon, Aral, Jet and other to open petrol stations in Sri Lanka and import Fuel. Fixed sale prices must be abolished. With such competition, prices would fall rather than rise. A poorly managed company like CPC, wasting taxpayer money, would go bankrupt quickly.

Lahiru Wednesday, 08 November 2017 11:41 AM

This is simply Ranil running behind the Indians and trying to sell what ever else that is remaining in the country to other countries.LIOC is to be blamed for what has happened. And Ranil is to be blamed for allowing LIOC to enter in the first place.

Matale voice Wednesday, 08 November 2017 12:17 PM

The PM has just detailed out his explanation on the current critical situation brought about by the fuel shortage. If the CPC has done it's job properly, this unfortunate situation could have been avoided.

Ganesh Wednesday, 08 November 2017 12:50 PM

Then ,what about the minister concerned made an accusation the substandard petrol had been turned away on account of the country and people patriotically although he was offered huge amount of money as bribe to let the cargo unload ?

alex Wednesday, 08 November 2017 02:20 PM

now that the SAITM issue is more or less settled (at least from the SLMC point of view) regular strikers with noting to do can take it up on themselves to protest for the removal of Arjuna as the minister for petroleum

sujata Wednesday, 08 November 2017 03:17 PM

don't you smell something fishy here.Everyone finds it convenient to blame LIOC but no one, not even the JO or JVP is asking for heads to role at CPC

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Cannot blame LIOC for the shortage: PM

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