Prevailing fuel crisis to continue till 5 April: Transport Minister

Transport Minister Dilum Amunugama yesterday said that the prevailing fuel crisis may continue till 5 April, noting that there is a delay in obtaining stocks.

“The fuel distribution will be carried out with restrictions till next week,” he told journalists yesterday.

As per the Minister the key reason was because the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) could not unload the 37,500 tons of diesel shipment as planned on Tuesday. 

He said the Government will receive the schedule of ships arriving with fuel under the Credit Line granted by India from 4 April.

Commenting on rail fare revisions, Minister Amunugama said it will be subject to a slight increase, noting that Sri Lanka Railways is operating at a loss because of the concessionary rates that had been imposed.

He however pointed out that the timeline for the new rates have not yet been decided, adding that the rail fares will not be increased in a manner that will burden the public.