Cannot deliver diesel for power plants right now; says Energy Ministry

by Zulfick Farzan 28-02-2022 | 5:36 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Energy Ministry says that it can no longer deliver diesel for power plants.

On Monday (28), the Ministry of Energy said it is no longer possible to deliver diesel for power plants, as many sectors including telecommunication, tourism, and hospitality are facing serious issues without diesel supplies.

According to the Ministry, 30,000 MT of furnace oil for power plants will reach Sri Lankan shores on the 8th of March, and the respective Letters of Credit to the value of US $ 20 Million have already been opened.

However, the Ceylon Electricity Board says furnace oil delivery, instead of diesel, alone will not solve the electricity crisis in Sri Lanka.

The CEB said that multiple power plants in the country require diesel to generate electricity, which is calculated at 349 MW.

The CEB said that the West Coast Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya can operate on Furnace Oil, instead of Diesel.

However, the Barge-mounted Power Plant in the Colombo Port, and the Kelanithissa Power Plant are not operational due to the shortage of fuel, said the CEB.