Govt. admits Iranian crude oil imports from third party
Friday, 20 June 2014 00:00
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The Government has been purchasing Iran crude oil from third parties outside of quotas approved by the US Government, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.
When questioned as to why the Cabinet had approved the expansion of the ships being bought for the Ceylon Shipping Corporation, Rambukwella noted that the fleet would be used to transport coal and crude oil, thereby reducing costs. “I understand this is a serious statement to make. But we have already been importing petroleum from third party sources,” he told reporters, hinting that it involved a Malaysian company. He also insisted it was essential as Sri Lanka’s main oil refinery at Sapugaskanda was built for the specifications of Iranian crude, leaving the government little choice. (UJ)
