CPC Chairman claims to have adequate stocks of diesel

By Rathindra Kuruwita

CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe yesterday said that there were adequate stocks of diesel with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

Wijesinghe insisted that there was no diesel shortage, despite the long lines at gas stations, and the CPC was releasing adequate quantities of diesel from its terminals.

Wijesinghe said that the CPC had halted fuel distribution in view of the curfew and fears that the bowsers would be attacked. However, things were returning to normal and there should be fuel at gas stations by Friday, he said.

A ship carrying diesel would arrive on Monday (16), he said.

“We have enough stocks to ensure that essential services are not disrupted,” he said.

However, Sri Lanka Private Fuel Bowser Owners Association has told the media that the CPC only issues diesel for essential services. Therefore, bowsers that belong to them have not been transporting diesel for a few days.