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Tuesday, 21 November 2017 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Chathuri Dissanayake
An irate Petroleum Resources Development Minister yesterday warned of stern action against those responsible for the rumours of an impending fuel crisis which resulted in panic buying. Alleging that there were political forces working the rumour mill, Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) officials had already lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the issue.
“There is one group of people which is involved in spreading this falsehood. When there are enough stocks why spread a rumour like this? Don’t forget there is an election coming up. This may not just be politicians, it can be officials or businessmen as well,” he said.
A text message being circulated on Sunday warned of an impending fuel crisis, sending consumers into another buying frenzy similar to the panic buying that occurred during the fuel shortage a week ago. Similar social media posts also made the situation worse, resulting in long lines at fuel stations near Colombo. The standard daily demand of 2,500 MT has increased to 3,500 MT-4,000 MT overnight due to panic buying.
To manage the situation the Ministry issued a statement on Sunday evening dispelling rumors. On Monday a hotline was established to report of any fuel shortages island-wide. The CPC also directed all pumping stations to work through the night to service consumers. Further, fuel stations have also been requested to not display signs saying ‘no fuel’ to minimise panic amongst the public.
Minister Ranatunga also sought to assure the public of CPC’s capacity to meet the country’s daily fuel demand, stressing that stocks were available to supply fuel for the next three weeks.
“There is enough petrol, diesel and jet A-1 fuel to last us for another three weeks. Two more oil ships are expected to arrive within the next two weeks as well. There is no need to panic. If there is ever an issue I will come forward and inform the public and urge to use fuel sparingly. But there is no issue as such right now,” he said.
Further, he threatened to take over any fuel stations which are refusing to issue petrol even when stocks are available. According to Ranatunga, a number of such incidents had been reported to the ministry. An investigation is already under way regarding the issue, he said.
Alleging that there was a “fuel mafia” operating in the sector for the last 10 years, the Minister promised to crack the whip and bring an end to malpractice.
“We are planning to invest money for the benefit of the public and in the institution without investing it in businessmen who are working as a mafia. I’m not afraid to take such actions,” he claimed.
The Minister also said that action is being taken to improve fuel storage infrastructure at regional storage centres and to transport fuel through rail lines. The Ministry will submit a fresh Cabinet proposal to develop another storage tank in order to up the storage capacity of the CPC, the Minister revealed.
“These recommendations are not new. The action outlined should have been taken long before. Even a Cabinet paper was presented by the last Government to improve storage facility of the CPC but no action has been taken regarding the issue,” he claimed.
However, he fell short of accepting responsibility for the fuel crisis the country faced the previous week, stressing that the investigation carried out by the four-member Cabinet subcommittee found no fault with any official or politician for the situation.
Ranatunga said that his ministry was now taking steps to implement the recommendations given by the committee. A new system has been set in place to ensure that a quality test is carried out with samples obtained when the ships bound for Sri Lanka are still at the port of embarkation, the Minister said. Further action will be taken against suppliers who have a record of delivery delays and quality issues.
When asked about his response to fuel bowser owners warning of taking action if their demand for a higher price per mile for fuel transportation was not met, the Minister challenged them to go ahead.
“Let them take action and I will see to it then,” he said.
