Fuel stocks for 10 days have been used up in 6 days: Energy Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); The fuel stocks which were due to be managed for 10 days have been used up in 6 days, says the Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara.

Speaking during a media briefing held today (21), the Minister assured that they are receiving the necessary fuel stocks in the next two weeks, and usually with 40,000MT ship of Diesel, it is possible to manage for 10 days. 

However, the Minister said that due to the high demand, this consignment has ended within 6 days. 

Moreover, he assured that the Ministry paid for a petrol and diesel cargo on Friday night, and is currently in the process of unloading those two consignments, with a third already yet to be unloaded.

"Therefore, there is no need to worry about fuel stocks. We have been carrying out a plan since yesterday, to try and reduce the queues by Monday," he stated.

When inquired on how fuel will be supplied for essential services, the Minister said that only ambulances are being considered as essential services that need fuel, as of currently.