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Sri Lanka rejects Chinese request for local fuel sales

4 October 2017 10:10 pm - 15     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka has blocked a proposal by Chinese firms bidding to build the island’s biggest oil refinery to sell fuel locally, fearing a threat to domestic firms that dominate the small but growing market.

The veto is the latest in a tussle over Chinese investments in Hambantota, a southern town near an important shipping route, where China controls the sea port and plans an industrial zone for Chinese firms and a $3 billion refinery with annual output of around 5 million tonnes.

China Huanqiu Contracting & Engineering Corp, a subsidiary of state-owned China National Petroleum Corp, and private refiner Shandong Dongming Petrochemical Group have jointly bid for the refinery located near the port.

Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said the Chinese companies had asked to sell refined products on to the local market, but had been told just to export.

“The Chinese companies asked permission (to supply local markets), but we did not give them permission. We asked them to participate in tenders of local suppliers, if they want to sell locally,” he told Reuters.

Another government official, who didn’t want to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, said Sri Lanka did not want to cede control of the local fuel market to Chinese firms.

Sri Lanka’s $6 billion market is controlled by state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corp and Lanka IOC, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corp.

“We have asked the Chinese firms to go for partnership with existing players if they want to sell their products in the local market,” the official said. “We don’t want both our companies to suffer by letting another player in.”

The two Chinese companies seeking local market access did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Hambantota is part of China’s vast Belt and Road initiative to build trade and transport links across Asia and into Europe, but Beijing’s widening footprint has raised concerns in India, the United States and even Europe.

New Delhi sees the massive investment in the port town as another sign of the threat of China’s growing influence in the region. Even in Sri Lanka, the plan has been criticised for the loss of land and, more broadly, the tiny nation’s sovereignty.

This year, Sri Lanka revised the terms of its deal with China Merchants Port Holdings, which has a 99-year lease on the Hambantota port, to give greater influence to a local state-run partner.

A Chinese source in Colombo briefed on the refinery discussions said the two Chinese firms had made an informal request for the refinery’s products to be sold locally, but had been told by the Sri Lankan authorities that such a move could spark demonstrations by local trade unions.

For the moment, the Chinese source said, the refinery deal was going forward.

The two Chinese firms began exploring the possibility of building the refinery 18 months ago, and private refiner Dongming is looking to take a controlling stake, officials from the companies said. (Reuters)


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  Comments - 15

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  • sanju Wednesday, 04 October 2017 10:39 PM

    Thank goodness for little mercies

    Premalal Wednesday, 04 October 2017 11:22 PM

    The Chinese will take over the Sri-Lankan economy before we know it. Moving to be a Chinese Colony.

    malik Thursday, 05 October 2017 11:47 AM

    Not Long ago It cost millions of Tax Payer Money, when Sub Standard Fuel was imported to SL, What a waste.

    fareed Thursday, 05 October 2017 02:27 PM

    Foreign investment doesn't take away a country's sovereignty but bring prosperity

    Tommy Wednesday, 04 October 2017 11:45 PM

    While trying to keep India happy they are trying to discourage healthy competition

    chandrapala Wednesday, 04 October 2017 11:47 PM

    Why do you want to single out China. Let any country be permitted to do business here.

    Sonali Thursday, 05 October 2017 04:57 AM

    “We don’t want both our companies to suffer by letting another player in.” Do you mean that you are scared of losing your monopoly on fuel prices?

    nick Thursday, 05 October 2017 05:45 AM

    Yes commission dispute so rejection if those guys paid high commissions th so would have gone through just like central express way via DM Android App

    Yeti Thursday, 05 October 2017 07:42 AM

    The competition is good but who needs another war!

    malik Thursday, 05 October 2017 11:49 AM

    Well Said, This will improve product quality, service and price. But in SL we don't see the Bigger Picture.

    Munasinghe Thursday, 05 October 2017 08:03 AM

    So the govt does not want people to be benefited by cheaper oil price in the market.

    Prabath Thursday, 05 October 2017 08:10 AM

    Don't antagonize China again as you did with Financial City

    Shelly. Thursday, 05 October 2017 01:03 PM

    Incorrect reporting by a western agency to put Govt. into trouble. via DM Android App

    nsns Friday, 06 October 2017 10:52 AM

    This "western" argument is getting very old lol think about something new and come back to comment

    sach Thursday, 05 October 2017 05:25 PM

    If we have allowed Indians, why cant chinses do it?


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