Colombo: Sri Lanka less than a day’s worth fuel Left, the energy minister said on Sunday, even as the cash-strapped nation closed schools for a week as there is not enough fuel for teachers and parents to bring children to classes. Petrol and diesel queues continued for kilometers in the capital, though most pumping stations remained without fuel for several days.
Energy Minister Kanchana vijesekera Said that the stock of petrol in the country is 4,000 tonnes, which is just below the consumption of a day. “The next petrol shipment is expected between 22 and 23 (of July),” he said. “We’ve contacted other suppliers, but we can’t confirm new supplies before the 22nd.” Last week, Sri Lanka announced a two-week halt to all fuel sales except for essential services to save petrol and diesel for emergencies.
With most shops closed on Sunday, the situation was expected to worsen when banks and offices opened on Monday. Desperate people were seen trying to flag off some vehicles on the road hoping for a ride. Privately owned buses, which make up two-thirds of the country’s fleet, said they operated a skeleton service on Sunday as they were badly hit by fuel shortages.
Last month, schools across the country were closed for a day and urban areas for the past two weeks due to fuel shortage. Schools will remain closed till Friday. Meanwhile, the Energy Minister appealed to the country’s expatriates to send money home through banks to finance new oil purchases. “Finding the money is a challenge. It’s a huge challenge,” Vijcera said.
Energy Minister Kanchana vijesekera Said that the stock of petrol in the country is 4,000 tonnes, which is just below the consumption of a day. “The next petrol shipment is expected between 22 and 23 (of July),” he said. “We’ve contacted other suppliers, but we can’t confirm new supplies before the 22nd.” Last week, Sri Lanka announced a two-week halt to all fuel sales except for essential services to save petrol and diesel for emergencies.
With most shops closed on Sunday, the situation was expected to worsen when banks and offices opened on Monday. Desperate people were seen trying to flag off some vehicles on the road hoping for a ride. Privately owned buses, which make up two-thirds of the country’s fleet, said they operated a skeleton service on Sunday as they were badly hit by fuel shortages.
Last month, schools across the country were closed for a day and urban areas for the past two weeks due to fuel shortage. Schools will remain closed till Friday. Meanwhile, the Energy Minister appealed to the country’s expatriates to send money home through banks to finance new oil purchases. “Finding the money is a challenge. It’s a huge challenge,” Vijcera said.