LNP – Fuel distributors warn of shortage from today

While disputing the statement made by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman stating that there would be no fuel shortage this week, the Fuel Distributors’ Association said that no fuel orders had been placed since Friday and the public were warned to expect a shortage from today.

The Association acknowledged that 1,581 orders had been placed before 10 a.m on Friday (February 28), but no new orders had been placed after that.

They further said that existing fuel stocks at filling stations would last until Monday.

“A central committee meeting was held on Saturday (1) evening, where it was decided to submit a Sandeshaya to the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (3). Even though no orders had been placed, the CPC had begun sending fuel bowsers on credit over the weekend. However, this practice cannot continue, as the CPC cannot send fuel bowsers on credit,” the Association said.

As a result, the Association said that while some stations had received fuel over the weekend, most of the filling stations had put up notices saying they did not have fuel.

The Association further said that they had decided to halt post-payment fuel supplies to government institutions. Previously, entities such as police departments and hospitals were allowed to settle bills after one or two months, but as of Friday, no fuel will be supplied on credit.