Quotas to quell fuel hoarding

• Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says no choice but to register users at filling stations 
• Claims motorists hoarding fuel stocks sufficient for a month or more
• Says demand for electricity and kerosene has increased amidst LP gas shortage 
• Reveals fuel bill has increased from 
• $ 200 to 550 m within four months
• Explains additional 
• $ 100 m will be needed monthly to provide uninterrupted power

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday said a fuel quota system will soon be implemented to put an end to hoarding and ensure a steady supply.

“We have no choice, but to register consumers at filling stations and give them a guaranteed weekly quota until the Government can strengthen the financial situation, restore 24-hour power and a steady supply of fuel. I hope to have this system in place by the first week of July,” the Minister tweeted yesterday.

He claimed that some consumers collect fuel for a month or more for their machinery and generators, while the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) imports fuel to manage for a week given the financial restrictions.

Minister Wijesekara said that the shortage in LP gas supply has increased the demand for electricity and kerosene oil which has, in turn, increased the monthly fuel cost from $ 200 to 550 million within just four months.

He also explained that a 24-hour power supply would cost the Government an additional $ 100 million per month for diesel, furnace oil, and naphthalene.