Diesel Shortage, a nightmare for Sri Lanka's Tea Industry

by Teena Marian 31-03-2022 | 10:11 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Diesel shortage has turned into a nightmare for many industries, especially the tea industry in the central hill.

Tea factories are finding it difficult to produce tea due to the shortage of diesel to power their generators, during the 13-hour long power cut.

The usual process of producing tea is for the tea leaves to be directly crushed at the factory once they are received, however, this vital process has been hampered by the power cuts and diesel shortage.

The Managers at tea factories stated that there are obstacles in continuing the process due to the lack of Diesel & power cuts for several hours from time to time.

News 1st inquired from the Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation Industries, Ravindra Hewawitharana regarding this.

He said that in consultation with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), steps will be taken to provide fuel to the Tea industry under a special system.

He also stated that several discussions have been held regarding this issue.