• Legal action against hoarders, says Oct. 92 petrol and diesel not from conflict zones but from Malaysia/S’pore/India/Oman  

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) yesterday claimed that there will be no fuel shortage in the country under any circumstances.

This, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle and the West Indian Ocean, which has seen oil prices soar and concerns about supply spread.  

CPC Chairperson D.J. Rajakaruna stated that the necessary fuel orders for the next two months (July and August) have already been procured. The CPC has already placed and confirmed orders for the fuel required for the next two months and there is absolutely no reason for a fuel shortage in Sri Lanka during this period.

He said however that there are concerns about the fuel transportation and where the fuel shipments will originate from.

In light of the current situation, Rajakaruna noted that legal action will be taken against individuals who are hoarding fuel illegally.

He said that according to CPC data, the majority of Octane 92 petrol is not imported from conflict zones with most of it coming either from Malaysia, Singapore or India. Only one shipment is expected from Oman, he said.

Rajakaruna added that even if the Strait of Hormuz was to close, the country will not face a shortage.

While stating that the CPC is currently in the process of confirming supply routes with suppliers, Rajakaruna said that diesel stocks do not come from war-affected regions.