COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage today (28) revealed the Government’s plan regarding the fuel crisis and curbing the issues which have arisen due to the crisis. 

According to the Minister, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has held discussions with the Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Yury Materiy, in order to contact the President of Russia, Vladmir Putin with regard to obtaining fuel, and had also directed a letter addressing President Putin.

Moreover, the President seeks to engage with the United Arab Emirates regarding obtaining fuel, he said.

Responding to the fuel shortage affecting other areas of the economy and the Government’s contingency plan regarding the slowing down of the economy, the Minister said that essential service will be prioritized, especially industries, agriculture and the health sector, which SLTB depots will be used to provide fuel. 

Citing that the LIOC filling stations too have stated that they will continue to provide fuel to the people as usual under the token system, the Minister said that 80 CEYPETCO and 80 LIOC filling stations will be utilized within the period until 10th July to provide fuel only for essential services. 

The Minister also emphasized that the economy would collapse if the country is given the space to continue as the same after 10th of July, therefore the Government had facilitated for the process, and the President had instructed CBSL to prepare the funds necessary to import fuel into the country. 

Minister Aluthgamage added that in the future, about 200-300Mn US dollars can be provided via the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the importation of fuel.

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