2 August 2018 12:01 am
Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) yesterday said it is ready to face any trade union actions by the Ceylon Petroleum Bowser Owners’ Association (CPPBOA) to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply to the nation by engaging directly with the independent bowser owners.
In a media communiqué, CPSTL called the move by the CPPBOA to halt fuel distribution, demanding an increase in the transportation allowance is a move to hold the country’s energy security at ransom and stressed that it does not recognize the body as a responsible representation of the fuel bowser owners supplying to the state entity.
“Any move to cripple the national fuel supply threatens the country’s energy security for inconvenience the public with intimidation, will not be entertained,” CPSTL Chairman Dammika Ranatunga asserted.
The CPPBOA has demanded a 12.5 percent increase in payment for transportation from CPSTL, while threatening to suspend transportation of fuel from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation storage sites, if CPSTL fails to deliver on its demands.
CPSTL noted that the meeting held on July 17, 2018 with the independent fuel bowser owners was successful and it welcomes any positive discussion with the association to reach a mutual arrangement that would be beneficial to CPSTL, the CPPBOA and importantly
the public.