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SL runs out of fuel and no new shipments ordered

27 June 2022 09:25 am - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka has run out of fuel as only 1,100 tonnes of petrol and 7,500 tonnes of diesel are remaining which is not even sufficient to last the country for a day, highly placed sources from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Trade Union told Daily Mirror last evening.

While Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera had been assuring the public of the arrival of a fuel vessel last week, he finally admitted to the nation yesterday that he could not give the dates of when fresh shipments are expected, leading to a query as to what happened to the vessel which was on its way to Sri Lanka after an LC of US 90 million dollars was opened for a diesel and petrol shipment earlier this month. Finance Minister and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe too was aware of this LC.

However, Minister Wijesekera last week said that the petrol shipment which was expected on June 23 was delayed by a day, but even a day later the vessel did not arrive as the fuel company had asked for an international guarantee for payment as it could not depend on the local bank guarantee.

Sources within the CPC said that no vessels were on their way to Sri Lanka last week as Sri Lanka had failed to make the payments required and give the international bank guarantees and even to date has not made any payment for fresh shipments.

Sri Lanka has also been blacklisted by international companies as it has defaulted on its debts and companies now require international bank guarantees for fresh orders.

With no new fuel shipment in sight any time soon, the country will come to a complete standstill from this week, as even public transportation will come to a grinding halt.

The so-called token system for fuel for the public which Minister Wijesekera announced yesterday will also prove to be futile as first preference will be given to essential services for the little stocks of fuel that are left.

Sources said that while transport will come to a halt, lengthened power cuts will also come into effect soon as the required stocks of fuel will not be supplied to the power plants.

Already, schools in Colombo will be shut for yet another week starting today.(JAMILA HUSAIN)


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  Comments - 16

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  • Imtiaz Monday, 27 June 2022 10:23 AM

    This news is both frightening and unreal. How on earth did we come to this situation?

    Roshanaly Monday, 27 June 2022 10:25 AM

    It is look like MR and the Basil are much better than Ranil.

    Becky walters Monday, 27 June 2022 10:29 AM

    Kanchana Wijesekera Should resign! He has done nothing but lie since taking office!

    D S de Silva Monday, 27 June 2022 10:30 AM

    So what happened to the USD 90 million credit line, what did they do with it?

    European Monday, 27 June 2022 10:34 AM

    Ask your friend Russia for fuel. I am sure they are willing to help one of the very few banana countries that wants to trade with warlord Putin.

    TONI Monday, 27 June 2022 10:45 AM

    IS GOTA AND RANIL HAPPY ABOUT THIS SITUATION?

    European Monday, 27 June 2022 10:54 AM

    Ask your friend Russia for fuel. I am sure they are willing to help one of the very few banana countries that wants to trade with warlord Putin.

    TONI Monday, 27 June 2022 10:56 AM

    IS THIS SYSTEM GOOD TO IMPROVE TOURISM?

    Seb Monday, 27 June 2022 11:03 AM

    Well at least the electric bill will be low next month :-D

    sam Monday, 27 June 2022 11:39 AM

    We have a great government that look after us and cannot provide the daily needs

    Tom jones Monday, 27 June 2022 11:55 AM

    SAUBAGYA DEKKMA Sri Lanka. BANKALOTH DEKKMA.

    Radika Monday, 27 June 2022 12:07 PM

    As many predicted, a total disaster of day today life of citizens are on the way shortly.

    Seqi Monday, 27 June 2022 12:09 PM

    This ought not be news. This is the responsibility of the government, that is why they govern us. With their expertise we can live our lives to the fullest.

    Kosappu Monday, 27 June 2022 12:10 PM

    GR and RW should go

    Arnold Monday, 27 June 2022 12:13 PM

    අපි තමයි හොඳටම කළේ

    GHT Monday, 27 June 2022 11:43 PM

    It is a curse to Sri Lanka after discarded members of parliament are called and given ministers' post.


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