Two vessels carrying diesel and petrol had sailed in the Sri Lankan waters a few days ago, but the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has been unable to unload the stocks due to the ongoing dollar deficit in the country, revealed Ananda Palitha, Convener of the Trade Union Confederation of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya speaking to media.
The unloading process consumes US$52 million, which has not yet been released to the CPC, Palitha pointed out, warning that in the backdrop the occurrence of a fuel shortage could be possible.
The Oil Refinery in Sapugaskanda is currently closed due to the absence of crude oil stocks, compelling the CPC to import refined fuel in meeting the national demand.
The Refinery is planned to be reopened at the end of January.
Were the fuel contained in the two vessels not unloaded, the people, who are queuing themselves in search of essential commodities including gas, rice and milk powder, will have to suffer a fuel shortage as well, Palitha further noted.
MIAP