Sri Lanka Bans Fuel Sales in Containers Amid Hoarding Concerns

(MENAFN) Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has ordered all fuel stations to immediately stop dispensing fuel into bottles or cans, as stated by reports. The move comes after intelligence indicated that some individuals were buying fuel in containers and reselling it on the black market at inflated prices.

D.J. Rajakaruna, chairman of the corporation, said fuel stations are instructed not to provide fuel for such containers “until further notice.” On Sunday, long queues formed at gas stations as fears of shortages grew due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Rajakaruna added that the country currently has sufficient petrol for 37 days and diesel for 35 days. He also noted that over 1.3 million liters of diesel and 2,019,600 liters of Octane 92 petrol were distributed nationwide by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, despite it being a government holiday.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said fuel distribution from regional depots and centers would continue as usual on Monday. He emphasized that storing fuel at private homes is illegal and that police have been instructed to take legal action against those hoarding fuel.

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