Likely delay in disposal of substandard fuel

The disposal of the stock of substandard fuel is likely to be delayed further since the government has not yet found a buyer ready to purchase it according to the conditions laid down, Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka exported 20,000 tonnes of fuel from Singapore unit of Dubai-based Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) in June last year. Later, it was found that the stock was of inferior quality. Thousands of vehicles that used such fuel were damaged. Also damaged were pumping machines of some filling stations.

Once the problem was identified, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) stopped the release of such fuel to the market. Later, the Ministry decided to dispose 2600 tonnes of such fuel in an economically beneficial manner.

Asked about the present status, Minister Susil Premajayantha said that only one international bidder came forward to purchase the stock, but the CPC did not agreed to the conditions stipulated.

He said that bids had been called for from various others. “Once we come across the most suitable one, we will sell off the stock.”
The fuel stock has been stored in Kolonnawa at the moment. (Kelum Bandara)