February 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s state LP gas vendor Litro Gas Lanka has begun releasing a substantial consignment of domestic gas cylinders into the local market in a bid to counter recent shortages, the company confirmed yesterday (22).
From today (23), approximately 300,000 household cylinders will be dispatched across the island through its distributor network. Company officials said the move is intended to stabilise supply after an unexpected spike in consumer demand left many retailers struggling to maintain stocks.
The replenishment drive follows the arrival of a vessel carrying 3,900 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas at the Port of Colombo on Saturday. Unloading commenced shortly after docking, enabling distribution operations to begin without delay.
Two further LP gas consignments are due to reach the country on February 25 and 28, bolstering efforts to rebuild reserves. Litro indicated that fresh procurement orders have also been placed to ensure continuity of supply in the coming weeks, with additional shipments expected before month’s end.
Under the current plan, around 100,000 cylinders will be released daily, a phased approach that the company believes will steadily relieve pressure on the market and reduce long queues seen in several towns in recent days.
Consumers in various parts of the country had voiced frustration over limited availability of both Litro and rival brand cylinders, with some retailers reporting uncertainty over delivery schedules. Trade representatives had previously called for clearer timelines and improved coordination to prevent panic buying.
Meanwhile, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, stated earlier this week that even larger volumes of Litro cylinders are expected to enter circulation from 12 March as part of a broader plan to reinforce national energy security.
Litro reiterated that with the ongoing distribution of 300,000 cylinders and incoming shipments, supply conditions are anticipated to normalise progressively, restoring regular purchasing patterns for households across the island.