Fuel distributors urge government to resolve supply shortages

The Petroleum Distributors’ Association, on Tuesday (06) called on the government to resolve the current fuel supply problems and ensure uninterrupted deliveries to filling stations.

Association Vice President Kusum Sandanayake said dealers were facing serious difficulties because many filling stations were not receiving adequate fuel supplies.

He said members across the country had reported that filling stations operated by foreign fuel companies were still not receiving sufficient stocks.

“We are hopeful that this will be resolved very soon, and all our members are waiting patiently in that expectation,” Sandanayake said.

He said filling stations depended almost entirely on fuel sales for their income and that shortages were making it increasingly difficult for operators to meet electricity bills, staff salaries, other operating expenses and bank loan repayments.

Sandanayake said a large number of filling stations remained closed, although those that had received fuel had resumed sales.

He said dealers were hopeful that further supplies would arrive during the day, allowing more stations to reopen and serve their respective areas.

Sandanayake added that the government appeared to understand the seriousness of the situation but had indicated that it faced difficulties in making large payments through the Treasury at short notice.

He called on the government to hold discussions with the foreign fuel companies and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Until then, he said distributors would continue supplying whatever stocks they received to consumers as quickly as possible.