Long queues near fuel stations despite Govt assurances of availability of stocks

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) today stepped up fuel distribution across the country, but thousands of vehicles and motorcycles continued to join the queues. 

Chairman of the CPC Janaka Rajakaruna said that, today, despite being a Poya Day, they have been dispatching fuel stocks as normal and that the stocks were available for the next month.

He said today, 2.9 million litres of petrol and diesel each was sent out, and all orders received will be supplied with fuel by evening.

“There is no reason to have fuel queues by tomorrow morning,” he said.

However motorist claimed that most people were doubtful of the government's claim about availability of stocks.

They said as a result, people were pumping full tanks and storing fuel resulting in a shortage.

Meanwhile, long queues outside fuel station were observed from yesterday and more joining them within the day.

Government spokesman Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said they would be deploying intelligence officers to track down persons who may be collecting fuel.