Minister rules out fuel shortage

• Additional measures taken to avert future shortage 

By Chandrasena Gamage   

Power and Energy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera ruled out a fuel shortage despite speculation in this regard.  

 He said so at a public meeting held in the Angunakolapelessa area yesterday. He added that there was false information that spread throughout the country about a fuel shortage and as a result, there were long queues near the fuel stations. There was enough fuel in stock and that steps have been taken not to allow a fuel shortage. 

He also said, “There is a threat of war between the United States and Iran. In such a situation, our country is vulnerable to be affected. Arrangements are being made to minimize such impacts. We have enough stocks of fuel. We are importing additional stocks of fuel so that a shortage will not occur,”   

He said that refined fuel is imported in bulk and discussions are underway in this regard and a small reduction in the price of fuel can be made accordingly. 
According to him, it has been found out that there is fuel in the basin of Mannar and the productions are scheduled to commence shortly. 

“We are going to build two power stations to minimize the loss sustained by Ceylon Electricity Board because it had incurred a loss amounting to Rs. 200 billion.” 
“Many people as well as the media in the country have begun to talk about the phone clips of Ranjan Ramanayake. As a result, the people have lost confidence in the judiciary, legislature and the police. This is a very unfortunate situation. If the people have no confidence in these institutions, the  rule of law will fail” he added. 

• There was enough fuel in stock and steps have been taken not to allow a fuel shortage