TUs concerned about fuel availability

by Amani Nilar 26-06-2022 | 5:00 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Media Spokesperson of the Samagi United Trade Union Force, Ananda Palitha states that only 10 or so filling stations might have fuel from tomorrow (26).

Speaking during a press conference, Palitha pointed out that there is only around 1,500 metric tons of Petrol in the country.

This 1,500 MT can only be distributed to 200 filling stations, he said.

He further stated that even the Diesel stocks in the country has come down to 8,000 to 9,000 metric tons.

If there is no foreseeable date for a ship carrying fuel to arrive in the country, in order to sustain the transport sector, fuel can only be provided to about ten filling stations from tomorrow (27) at most, Palitha mentioned.

These filling stations may receive this limited fuel if they make deals with close friends and relatives in power, who will undoubtedly make use of this fuel. Palitha said that crude oil for refineries are missing as well.

Commenting on power outages, the TU member mentioned that Kelanitissa alone needs 1,500 metric tons to function.

"If we continue to give 1,500 MT fuel to power stations, the country will stop functioning in two days," he added.