• CPC, LIOC assure enough fuel stocks
• 2: State SL sources fuel from regions other than M-E
• 3: Additional fuel stocks to be released today
• 4: Police warn against illegal hoarding 

In the wake of artificial shortages caused by widespread panic buying across the country, Deputy Minister of Energy Akram Ilyas yesterday (1 March) warned that the Government may be compelled to reintroduce a QR code-based rationing system if panic buying persists.

Long queues have been observed at filling stations over the last two days, with motorists predominantly purchasing petrol. This rush continued despite repeated assurances from the Government that the country has sufficient fuel supplies for another month. However, it has been reported that filling stations in several areas have already run out of fuel.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Minister Ilyas explained that Sri Lanka primarily sources its fuel from countries such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, and South Korea rather than from Middle Eastern regions. He asserted that continued panic buying could disrupt the distribution process carried out by bowser trucks and urged the public to cooperate with the Government to ensure smooth distribution.

Responding to a query by the media, he said the Government may be compelled to introduce a QR code-based rationing system to mitigate possible disruptions if panic buying persists.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced that it would issue fuel today (2), deviating from its usual schedule despite it being a Poya holiday. It added that this decision was taken to prevent further public panic that could arise if fuel stations were seen closed after exhausting their stocks due to the current surge in demand, creating a false impression of a fuel shortage.

Speaking to the media yesterday, CPC Chairperson D.J.A.S. De S. Rajakaruna said that although there is no actual fuel shortage at present, ongoing panic buying could lead to unnecessary disruption. “Including the shipments that are currently en route to Sri Lanka as per previous orders, we have petrol stocks sufficient for 37 days of national consumption, diesel for 31 days, super diesel for 72 days, and aviation fuel for 47 days. There is no need for panic buying,” he said. He further noted, “Due to this situation, even though we had not originally planned to issue fuel on Poya Day, we are now making arrangements to do it.”

The Daily Morning also contacted Managing Director of Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC), K. Raghu, and he confirmed that the company holds petrol and diesel stocks sufficient for more than 35 days. “We opened the terminal in Trincomalee today (1), and we will keep it open tomorrow (2) as well to ensure supply reaches the outlets. Additionally, we are expecting two more shipments, which are not from the Middle East but from Singapore,” he said.

However, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday, Petroleum Trade Unions Confederation (PTUC) Convener Ananda Palitha said storage facilities were insufficient to hold fuel stocks for another month. He suggested the Government’s assurances may not fully reflect ground realities, noting that public trust had been affected by past experiences, and predicted the panic buying situation would likely continue at least until tomorrow (3).

Meanwhile, the Police warned yesterday that as some individuals and groups were collecting fuel in cans, barrels, and other external containers, all police stations had been instructed to take appropriate action in coordination with fuel station management to prevent such practices. “Until further notice, fuel should not be dispensed into cans, bottles, or any other containers, except for legitimate requirements related to fishing vessels, industrial operations, workplaces, agricultural activities, and essential domestic purposes,” the Police Media Division stated, adding the Police would conduct investigations and initiate legal proceedings against any individuals or groups involved in the unlawful hoarding of fuel, profiteering by reselling at inflated prices, or disseminating false and misleading information regarding fuel availability on social media platforms.

The sudden surge in panic buying and statements from authorities follow recent geopolitical tensions, including an attack on Iran by Israel with the involvement of the United States, fuelling public fears that the country could face fuel shortages if Middle Eastern supply chains are disrupted. In response, police officers were deployed yesterday to prevent the stocking of fuel in cans and to curb black-market activities. The CPC has also announced legal action against such practices.