Sri Lanka Fuel Stocks Sufficient Till May

Colombo, Mar 17 (PTI) Sri Lanka currently holds sufficient fuel stocks to last until mid-May, the island nation's Energy Minister, Kumara Jayakodi, told the parliament on Tuesday.

The minister's statement comes in view of Iran's ongoing war with the US and Israel, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important choke point for the world's energy supplies.

"We have petrol sufficient till April 23 and diesel till April 13," Jayakodi told the opposition in response to a query.

His statement comes as the government on Monday launched fuel rationing through a QR code.

However, long queues at most fuel retailers were seen on Tuesday.


The queue on Tuesday was because of technical issues in rolling out the code, officials said.

Sri Lanka, for the first time in its history, is to observe a four-day work week starting on Wednesday, with the day declared as a public holiday.

Except for a few essential services, all state institutions and schools will remain closed every Wednesday as a contingency measure to face the emerging fuel shortage.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a televised address, cast more uncertainty on the adverse effects of the war on fuel stocks.

He said possible delays on three crude oil shipments have been reported as of Tuesday due to ongoing supply challenges.

Sri Lanka raised oil prices last week, aimed at discouraging hoarding.