Fuel distribution in the country is returning to normal with the provision of adequate security for fuel transportation vehicles, a Ceylon Petroleum Corporation spokesman told the Daily News.
Accordingly within a few days fuel scarcity will come to an end, he noted.
The fuel distribution was badly affected as the Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) compelled to boycott the service following the widespread protests and unrest in the country,
According to the SLPPTOA the bowser operators were reluctant to transport fuel over personal safety issues as mass protests erupted several parts of the country following the mob reported near a filling station in Rambukkna last Tuesday (19). Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said that a fleet of nearly 500 bowsers carry fuel countrywide on daily basis. But the number reduced to 38 by Wednesday with the security concerns.
However, the SLPPTOA has agreed to transport fuel as usual since the Ministry has taken prompt measures to increase safety of fuel transporting vehicles and the staff.
Responding to a letter sent by the SLPPTOA to the Manager of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) in Kolonnawa Terminal, safety measures for fuel transportation have been improved.
Speaking on the fuel crisis experiencing these days, the Minister said that more fuel shipments are scheduled to arrive in the country in due course. It has strengthened the protection of fuel transporting bowsers and fuel transporting trains. The Minister seeks the assistance of the public for fuel transportation.
“At present around 533 bowsers are used for fuel transportation to 1,300 filling stations countrywide. It has been planned to increase the fleet to 600,” he added.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
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