Rising kerosene demand: Jet fuel to be imported as an alternative

By Uwin Lugoda

The Government is prepared to meet Sri Lanka’s kerosene demands via the Sapugaskanda Refinery and plans to import jet fuel as an alternative if needed, The Sunday Morning learns.

When asked about the rise in demand for kerosene and a possible shortage, Ministry of Energy Secretary K.D.R. Olga stated that the country’s growing demand for kerosene was being met through its refinery. 

However, she explained that in the event the refinery was unable to supply the required amount of kerosene or was not running at full capacity, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will look at imported jet fuel, JetA1, as a replacement due to their similar nature.

“Even if the refinery closes, we don’t have to worry. We can meet the demand with JetA1 which we bring down for the country’s needs. Unlike regular kerosene, this fuel is colourless in nature, but it can be processed and dyed pink to meet the demand of the country,” Olga explained.

Last week, the Energy Ministry announced that it would shut down the national refinery from tomorrow (3) till the end of the month due to the foreign currency shortage.