Issuing a special statement, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that ongoing three weeks period is the most difficult phase for the energy shortage. He said that It is apparent with the current gas and fuel queues seen around the country.
He further said that latest released LP gas shipment which contains 3500 MT of LP gas has been prioritized for bulk users such as Hospitals, Hotels and crematoriums.
“It will take around 2 weeks to receive enough stocks of LP gas which will be adequate for 4 months. Discussions are ongoing to try to get the shipments sooner than that” he said
“Current fuel stocks which are being provided on priority basis for power generation and essential services, is adequate for one week. However, with a fuel shipment of 40,000 MT expected to arrive on 16th of June and another 2 shipments confirmed, enough fuel till end of month can be ensured” he further added.
The PM also said that once the new Indian credit line is received, the country would be able to secure enough fuel for the next 4 months.
“We have also acquired two fuel tankers for next month. After that, according to the new agreement signed with India, the required fuel can be obtained for 4 months. But it will be possible to supply only 50% of the demand.
We had a foreign currency problem while getting fuel. While talking about that problem a state bank did not have rupees. Then I got the cabinet approval to print the money. This is the reason why a new tax was imposed. There are also several other taxes to be imposed.
Sri Lanka is facing a Rupee shortage as well apart from the dollar crunch. Necessary steps will be taken to eliminate the rupee deficit by the end of this year.” PM added. (NewsWire)