Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured that there will be no shortage of LP gas in the country, stating that 38,000 tons of LPG have been ordered for March against an estimated demand of 33,000 tons.
He said an additional gas shipment has also been ordered and is expected to arrive today or tomorrow.
Addressing a special press conference yesterday evening, the President said the government is also holding discussions through diplomatic channels to secure supplies of gas, coal and fuel amid global supply disruptions.
President Dissanayake noted that although Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks until mid-April, some ordered fuel shipments may be delayed due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
He said the government has already taken steps to secure the required fuel from friendly nations and has called for several urgent tenders.
Explaining the situation, the President said the ongoing conflict has disrupted global value chains, including production and supply networks.
“We had offered a long-term tender for two 90,000-ton fuel shipments, but the supplier has informed us that those deliveries will be delayed. Meanwhile, supplies expected from a private sector supplier have also been delayed. Due to these reasons we are facing a shortfall in supply,” he said.
However, he stressed that the government has assessed the situation and is taking steps to ensure that economic activities and public life continue without disruption.
A special surveillance committee has been appointed to monitor the situation and take urgent decisions when necessary, he added.
The President said the government has opened urgent tenders for petrol, diesel and crude oil from reliable suppliers to cover the delayed shipments, while another diesel tender will also be called.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to allow dollar-earning sectors such as exporters and the tourism industry to import fuel using foreign currency and sell it in dollars.
The President also acknowledged that there have been some initial issues with the QR code fuel distribution system but said these were expected.
“More than five million people have already registered. We introduced the system knowing that some initial problems could arise,” he said.
He further said the government is maintaining adequate fuel stocks for essential services and ministries have been instructed to reduce fuel consumption by at least 25 percent.
The government is also closely monitoring the food supply chain ahead of the upcoming festive season, he added.
“We have discussed with major suppliers who confirmed that they have the capacity to maintain food stocks for up to three months. Therefore, we do not expect any shortage of essential food items,” the President said.
He added that the government is currently focusing on four key priorities: ensuring uninterrupted power supply, maintaining essential services, preparing the public service, and providing relief to affected communities.
