Faced with socio-economic and political turmoil, Sir Lanka is currently struggling to maintain credible fuel reserves. Today, the energy minister highlighted the precarious situation of the detrimental low fuel reserves – only one day worth of fuel is left – as country is battling to recover from an economic meltdown.
Due to the contemporary macro-economic instability and faced with the label of a failing state, Sri Lankan are facing long queues to get basic necessities, especially Petrol and Diesel. At most of the Pumping Stations, the fuel is not available for days.
The situation is so unfortunate that the energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera proclaimed that the country reserves stand at 4000 tons, less than one day’s fuel consumption.
“The next shipment is expected between the 22nd and 23rd (of July)”, said Wijesekera.
“We have contacted other suppliers, but we can’t confirm any new supplies before the 22nd.” Just a week ago, due to an extreme economic meltdown Sri Lanka announced two weeks of halt on the fuel sales except of essential services.
Under this hindsight, Sri Lankan are facing record-high inflation and lengthy power cuts.
The depleting foreign exchange reserves have caused hinderance to import essential commodities, rendering 22 million Sri Lankan citizen vulnerable to human security needs.
