By The Pulseline News Desk
The Ministry of Energy has decided to instruct private fuel distribution companies to ensure the uninterrupted distribution of fuel, amid reports of shortages and long queues at filling stations across the country.
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka has said the Ministry Secretary is expected to issue a written notification to the relevant companies today (6), directing them to maintain fuel supplies without disruption.
The move follows reports that several private fuel distribution companies have restricted their distribution activities, citing losses incurred from fuel sales following the recent increase in global fuel prices.
The reduced distribution has reportedly resulted in fuel shortages at a number of filling stations, with motorists facing long queues to obtain petrol and diesel.
Responding to an inquiry, Minister Karunathilaka has said the Government had decided to instruct the companies to continue distributing fuel without shortages, despite the prevailing market conditions.
He has said the companies would also be instructed to maintain the minimum fuel stocks required under their respective agreements.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has issued instructions to increase fuel supplies to filling stations operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), as part of measures to address the immediate shortages.
A special discussion on the fuel supply situation is scheduled to be held tomorrow (7), with officials from the Ministry of Energy and the CPC expected to participate. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is also expected to attend the discussion.
The meeting is expected to focus on the current fuel supply situation and measures required to ensure uninterrupted distribution across the country.
Meanwhile, Petroleum Dealers’ Association Deputy Chairman Kusum Sandanayake has said the association was urging the Government to provide an immediate solution to the ongoing fuel issue.
The Ceylon Petroleum Private Tanker Owners Association (CPPTOA) has urged the public not to engage in panic buying of fuel, assuring that there was no shortage or disruption to fuel supplies.
The latest developments come amid renewed pressure on Sri Lanka’s fuel supply system, with authorities seeking to ensure adequate stocks and prevent further disruptions at filling stations.
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