• Neither the media reports nor the speculation that the country would face a fuel shortage was true

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila dismissed recent media reports, which stated that the country is on the verge of facing a fuel shortage following an oil tanker being diverted from Sri Lanka due to foreign currency issues.   

Addressing a media briefing, he said neither the media reports nor the speculation that the country would face a fuel shortage was true.  
“Some media have reported that an oil tanker heading towards the country has been diverted based on issues arising from fuel suppliers not being paid due to the lack of foreign currency,” he said.  

“In addition, we saw members of the Opposition making statements based on the false media reports,” Minister Gammanpila added.  

He also challenged those who spread false rumours to say that which company the so-called oil tanker belongs to and the name of the tanker etc.  
“We have enough stocks of fuel in the country, which means that we have petrol sufficient for another 27 days and enough diesel for 24 days,” the Minister stressed.