Fuel distribution will be normalized prior to the April New Year festive season, Minister of Energy Gamini Lokuge assured today.
Minister Lokuge said currently fuel stations are turning away fuel transporting bowsers due to sufficient fuel in their possession.
Stating that earlier fuel bowsers were dispatched once every 1 ½ to 2 days, he said, however, now fuel was running out within 10- 15 hours a day.
The Minister said the distribution of fuel has been underway since 06 am today as well.
“We decided to dispatch fuel in two slots to all sheds in Colombo on a daily basis. Thereby, a bowser each with diesel and petrol was dispatched in the morning and once again between 2-3 pm as well,” he said.
Minister Gamini Lokuge said, however, information has been received that some fuel stations have turned away the fuel bowsers, as they are currently in possession of the necessary fuel stocks.
The Minister of Energy further revealed that the unloading of petrol from a ship to the Muthurajawela storage terminal commenced last night.
Stating that another ship with diesel has also arrived in Sri Lanka, the Minister said the unloading of diesel to the Kollonawa storage terminal will commence.
Minister Gamini Lokuge assured that the shortage of fuel will be eliminated by the April New Year festive season.
Despite the Minister’s assurance, long queues were reported in several fuel stations across the country today as well.
Several fuel stations had also been forced to close down today due to a lack of fuel. (NewsWire)
