Sources within the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation told Daily Mirror that the diesel shipments could not be cleared as the treasury did not have funds to pay for the demurrage.

A senior official of the CPC said the diesel shipment was to be unloaded on Tuesday but due to the failure of funds the shipment was awaiting to be unloaded.

Despite assurances that the diesel shortage would last only yesterday and today, the official said it will take at least a further three days to unload and distribute the shipment if the monies including the demurrage fee is paid today.

Presently the government is expected to pay a sum of US $52 million to clear the diesel shipment. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)