Should people panic this time, too?

Sri Lankans are once again faced with a fuel crisis due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Ever since US-Israel launched their attack on Iran, people have gone into panic mode. Already, the consequences are unfolding. Prices of fuel has been  increased, followed by gas,  and several food items such as milk tea. People are slowly forgetting that there was once a time when a milk tea was below Rs. 100. Today it is Rs. 150. This is a fortune for daily workers who live on plain tea  because that is what they can afford. When transport is challenged due to fuel queues and price variations,  it directly impacts prices of other essential items,  and people will be burdened once again. The government should address these issues and ensure that people are being looked after. This is a golden opportunity for the government to make use of their diplomatic relations to address the crisis. Assuring that there’s fuel for two months is not the best way to go about this issue,  because one knows very well how Sri Lankans try to stock up essentials the moment they feel that a crisis is in the offing. So,  the government now needs to reassure the public that there’s no need to panic (if at all there’s no need to panic),  or give directions on how the crisis could be managed. 

Wimal Senarath

Kaduwela