Gas companies assure three more weeks: Citizens remain dismayed during New Year

COLOMBO (News 1st); "When politicians visit us again, they must bring a gas cylinder, a sack of rice and a packet of milk powder with them. Only then, we will vote for them. Otherwise we will never vote for them," 

These were the sentiments of a dismayed citizen who stated that the demand for essential goods keeps on skyrocketing every day.

What caused this problem ? Is there a way out ?

Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. has said that the company would require at least three more weeks to resolve the gas shortage, as its Chairman Theshara Jayasinghe said the shortage arose as they had to recall gas cylinders and supply new ones under the new standards.

Long queues of people were seen outside gas dealerships these days as well.

People in Matara were seen waiting for the lorry carrying gas cylinders to arrive in the area on Saturday (01).

"We are on the streets in the new year," a person said.

"This is the so-called vision of prosperity on the 1st of January," another pointed out.

A person also stated that they are unable to purchase gas cylinders to cook milk rice as well, as people queued up to purchase gas.

A Galle resident, speaking to News 1st stated that they always went back empty handed after attempting to purchase gas, while another said that promises of gas deliveries have been made, yet the stocks have not been delivered properly as of yet.

" I came here at 4 am. Our legs hurt. We are old," an older man from Kalutara said.

However, the Chairman of Litro Gas Lanka Ltd.,Theshara Jayasinghe, speaking to News 1st stated that a massive gas shortage in the market exists due to the cylinders, which were recalled, and admitted that implementing the newly recommended standards would take some time.

Speaking further, the Litro Gas Chairman said that it would take around three months for the situation to return to normalcy.