CPC calls on public not to queue up near fuel stations today, tomorrow

Wednesday, 30 March 2022 04:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CPC Chief says could not unload 37,500 tons of diesel as planned yesterday, thus a shortage likely to hit market
Assures to distribute remaining stocks of diesel to essential services
Energy Minister assures quality of fuel imported and distributed

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) yesterday called on people not to panic as a diesel shortage is expected to hit the market today and tomorrow.

“We were unable to unload 37,500 tons of diesel shipment as planned yesterday. Therefore, we request the public not to queue up at filling stations for diesel on 30 and 31 March,” CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe said.

However, he assured that the remaining stocks of diesel available will be supplied to essential services.

Separately, Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge reiterated that there are no concerns pertaining to the quality of fuel currently in use in the country.

He assured that all fuel stocks obtained by the CPC are being tested according to international protocol

“The quality of stocks of fuel are being tested by several leading standard institutions from the time fuel shipments are loaded to ships and when shipments are unloaded in the respective country,” he told journalists yesterday.

The Minister urged the public to refrain from creating any undue concerns of substandard fuel, claiming that standards institutions have not notified the Government of any issues pertaining to the quality of fuel.

Contrary to the CPC view, the Minister said the distribution of fuel has now been addressed, whilst noting that the shortage is expected to reduce within three to four days of distribution.

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