Petrol crisis: CPC expecting shipment of 40,000 metric tonnes of petrol

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Thousands taking advantage of the long weekend had to abandon planned visits and city commuters were stranded since Friday as many fuel stations closed down without stocks. Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and his brother, Dhammika who heads the CPC, were also unavailable for comment since Thursday as instructions were passed down to senior officials not to speak to the media on the crisis.

Deputy Minister Anoma Gamage, however, told the Sunday Times that the CPC was expecting a shipment of 40,000 metric tonnes of petrol next Tuesday, but it could be delayed by a day due to sea conditions. The emergency purchase is for 85,000 barrels of petrol. Registered suppliers have been asked to supply the stocks to CEYPETCO.She said the Ministry had made “several spot purchases” to overcome the crisis, but could not give details of the prices and quantities.

The emergency purchases included the purchase of 85,000 barrels of petrol to be delivered by Tuesday with prices “negotiable”. “Until the shipment arrives, we are not in a position to provide normal stocks of petrol and will be forced to ration the supply from the CPC. We will be issuing stocks sufficient only for a day,” Ms. Gamage said.

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