The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that a consignment of petrol is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on July 22, said Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Sagala Ratnayake.
Sagala Ratnayake further stated that discussions and efforts are underway to procure more fuel stocks before the expected shipment and that details will not be disclosed until confirmed.
Diesel is expected to ship in early July and petrol is expected to ship from India by July 22, but the CPC is trying to get a consignment of petrol by July 10, he said.
Commenting to the media today, he gave a description of the fuel stocks currently available in the country.
According to fuel stock updates, Sri Lanka currently has 11,000 metric tons of diesel, 5,000 metric tons of petrol, 30,000 metric tons of stove fuel and 800 metric tons of jet fuel.
A shipment of 38,000 metric tons of diesel will arrive from July 11 to 15.
Until the new consignment arrives in the island, the existing diesel consignment will be available only for essential services.
However, Sagala Ratnayake further stated that there will be no problem regarding the supply of gas.
According to the gas supply update, Litro Gas Lanka is expected to procure 100,000 metric tons of gas over the next four months.
Shipment of 33,000 metric tons of gas will arrive in July. Shipping will take place on July 6, 10, 16, 19, 21 and 31.
Litro is expected to buy LP Gas with the assistance of the World Bank. The purchase agreement is expected to be signed today (29) or tomorrow (30).
*Clarification*
The Advisor to the Prime Minister, Sagala Ratnayake, did not state that the CPC could not secure fuel prior to July 22nd.
Mr. Ratnayake explained that a petrol shipment was confirmed for the 22nd July, however, efforts were being made to secure further shipments at an earlier date. Details would only be released once shipments are confirmed.
Full statement to follow with visuals.