Indian credit line lifesaver; 40,000 tonnes of diesel ready for distribution by Monday

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Ministry of Energy Gamini Lokuge said that a tanker with 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel would reach Colombo on Sunday (20), following the finalisation of a USD 1 billion credit line with India.

Energy Ministry Secretary K.D.R. Olga told journalists that the shipment would be ready for distribution on Monday (21). “This shipment will be the first step in solving the existing diesel shortage”, she said, adding that some people were stocking up on fuel and that had contributed to the ongoing shortages.

She added that Sri Lanka had over 55,000 metric tonnes of Petrol in stock.

“There is no shortage of petrol. There was only a distribution issue because of the action taken by bowser owners. But the distribution of petrol has returned to normal now,” she said.

Despite the assurances of the Ministry, long queues could be seen at gas stations across the country.