Refinery stops operations; no oil shortage, says Minister

Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery had stopped its operations yesterday due to the lack of crude oil, a senior official told The Island. This is the first time that such a development had taken place, he said.

Minister of Energy, Udaya Gammanpila told the media that he would hold a press conference today and explain the situation to the people. He added that there was no oil shortage in the country.

Trade unionist Ashoka Ranwala said a ship carrying crude oil would arrive in the third week of December. Until then the refinery could not operate. The ship would bring 90,000 metric tons, which would be sufficient for 15 days, he said. The next ship is due to arrive in mid January 2022.