Lokuge orders fuel stocks to be sent to fillings stations in and around Colombo

Clash over diesel in his electorate

Minister of Energy, Gamini Lokuge yesterday told the media that he had ordered that enough fuel be sent to the filling stations in Colombo and its suburbs.

The Minister said that there were still long queues at many filling stations and steps were being taken to end them.

When journalists asked the Minister whether fuel prices would be increased after the revision of payments made to bowser owners, Lokuge said that they had not decided on the matter.

“The Cabinet has not discussed it yet,” he said.

Lokuge said that the price of fuel was determined at the time of the purchase according to the price of fuel in Singapore.

“Fuel prices have been escalating. For example, recently when we wanted to order a shipment of fuel the seller initially said the cost would be USD 32 million. Within hours, he increased it to USD 52 million. It’s hard to predict pricing,” he said.

Sources said Minister Lokuge had taken action to replenish fuel stocks in Colombo and its suburbs following a violent clash at a filling station in his electorate, Kesbewa, on Wednesday.