Vice President of the Petroleum Distributors Association – Kusum Sandanayake, announced that fuel distributors have halted fuel orders for over the past 48 hours and will continue to do so until their concerns are addressed fairly.

Mr. Sandanayake emphasized that the distributors had not suggested a fuel shortage in the country but had decided to refrain from placing orders due to unresolved issues. 

He stated that while different parties may present varying narratives, only the distributors truly understand the challenges they face.

A key point of contention is the removal of the three percent commission previously granted to fuel distributors under the Petroleum Corporation’s new pricing formula. Despite multiple attempts to highlight the difficulties caused by this change, the distributors have not received a satisfactory response. As a result, they have been left with no choice but to take this action.

Mr. Sandanayake urged all relevant authorities, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to intervene in the matter. He warned that if a fair resolution is not reached, the distributors may continue to refrain from placing fuel orders in the future.

A formal memorandum to the President

In light of this, members of the Fuel Distributors Association handed over a communique to the President today (March 03), outlining their concerns and seeking immediate action.

Distributors with LIOC also halt placing orders

Meanwhile,  a group of fuel distributors handed over a petition to the Presidential Secretariat today (March 03) calling to resolve the aforementioned issue. 

Speaking to a senior official at the Presidential Secretariat, representatives of the Petroleum Dealers Association requested the matter to be taken up with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and to provide a just solution.

CPC assures fuel supply for 3 weeks

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that the country has sufficient fuel stocks to last for the next three weeks. 

According to Chairman D.A. Rajakaruna, fuel orders have been placed to ensure supply until August.

Mr. Rajakaruna further stated that over 1,500 fuel orders were received yesterday, and the distribution process is currently underway to meet demand.

To address ongoing concerns, a meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (March 04) between fuel distributors and government representatives. The Petroleum Distributors Association has confirmed its participation in the meeting, which will take place at 9:00 a.m., in accordance with a directive from the President.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath says that an oil-related crisis has been created, raising concerns over the stability of fuel supply.