28,300MT of Diesel to reach SL; long queues at filling stations

COLOMBO (News 1st): A ship carrying 28,300 metric tonnes of Diesel will reach Sri Lanka on Friday evening (Mar. 4), the Ministry of Energy said.  The fuel tanker contains 9000 metric tonnes of Jet Fuel as well, Chaminda Hettiarachchi, the spokesperson for the Energy Ministry told News 1st. In order to release the shipment, Letters of Credit to the value of close to USD $40 million must be opened and the relevant payment is to be made today. Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry has begun the distribution of the 37,300 metric tonnes of Diesel shipment that reached Sri Lanka. Energy Ministry Spokesperson, Chaminda Hettiarachchi was hopeful that once this distribution process begins, the shortage of Diesel at filling stations will be resolved. However, people were seen waiting in long queues near filling stations on Thursday (3) night as well.