Chamara says he warned of gas crisis, says new supplier lacks capacity

Inaction of one gas company has caused a rumpus in the supply -Minister

There is no LP gas shortage, but panic buying has created a difficulty brought on by Laugfs Gas delaying its supply

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

While claiming that he had predicted a looming gas shortage months ago, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake yesterday told Parliament that the crisis had materialised because the new supplier selected by the government lacked the capacity to ensure a steady supply.  

Dassanayake said he had warned in December last year that awarding the gas supply contract to a Swiss company without sufficient operational capability would lead to disruptions, but his concerns were dismissed at the time. He alleged that a Minister had rejected his warning in Parliament, adding that the present shortage had vindicated his earlier statement.  

“I told Parliament in December last year but Minister Vijitha Herath denounced my warning if I remember correctly. I said there will be a shortage as the new supplier to whom the government has given the gas supply contract to a Swiss company which does not have the capacity to supply effectively, “the MP told Parliament.   

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said there is a clear shortage of gas at the moment and the government should ensure a continuous supply of gas. “We have had no hand in creating a shortage. However we are cautioning you,” he said.   

Minister of Trade and food security Wasantha Samarasinghe who responded said the inaction of one Gas Company namely Laugfs Gas has caused rumpus in supply with panic buying also coming into the bargain,  

“There is no LP gas shortage, but panic buying has created a difficulty brought on by Laugfs Gas delaying its supply,” the minister said.  

The Minister said that the supply of Laugfs Gas had stopped for several days and that people have opted to shift to Litro Gas, which has created a shortage of Litro Gas as well. He said panic buying have also contributed to the situation.   

“We have gas stock sufficient for three days. Two gas shipments are due this Sunday and next Tuesday,” he said, adding that Laugfs Gas shipment is due on February 25.This has been done to meet the increasing demand.” he added.   

He said Laugfs Gas has been warned to maintain a continuous supply without letting the consumers down. He said action will be taken against this company if the need arises.