Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday, 12 March 2026 05:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
ACBOA Chairman N.K. Jayawardena
Text and pic by T.K.G. Kapila
The All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association (ACBOA) has raised concerns over growing difficulties in obtaining key energy sources including diesel, petrol, kerosene, and gas, warning that the situation is affecting bakery operations across the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, ACBOA Chairman N.K. Jayawardena urged the Government to introduce a mechanism to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies for the sector.
Despite the challenges, Jayawardena said bakery owners do not expect to increase product prices at present.
He noted that around 25% of bakeries countrywide operate using gas, while another 25-30% rely on diesel and kerosene. The remainder use firewood and other alternative energy sources.
Jayawardena explained that many bakeries traditionally transport diesel, petrol, and kerosene in cans for their operations. However, with regulations currently restricting the provision of fuel in cans, bakery owners are facing difficulties in maintaining regular supplies.
He therefore requested the Government to introduce a special arrangement that would allow bakeries to obtain fuel in cans for operational purposes.
Jayawardena also highlighted that the industry is facing a countrywide shortage of gas and rising gas prices, while some bakeries are also dealing with power outages in several parts of the country, further complicating daily production.
