Sri Lanka is grappling with its worst economic meltdown in over seven decades, with rolling electricity blackouts and essential goods such as food and cooking gas also in short supply.
The South Asian island nation had ordered troops to petrol stations as sporadic protests erupted among the thousands of motorist’s queueing up daily for scarce fuel.
Soldiers were deployed after angry crowds blocked a main artery in Colombo and held up traffic for hours because they were unable to buy kerosene oil.
Police said many elderly people have dropped dead at fuel queues since the crisis, adding that numerous petrol stations saw people camping to wait for diesel and gasoline purchases.
A Litro Gas Company’s Higher Official said the company will resume distribution when two ships carrying gas supplies will arrive the country in the next two weeks coming from the Thai Siam Gas Company.
Chairman of the United National Self-Employed Businessmen’s Association Mr. Pradeep Charles said three corruption complaints have been lodged so far against Litro Gas Company.
“All we have to say right now is we can get two ships this week. Already we have received the money we need. Then we can manage this in these coming two weeks. Two weeks later, we made arrangements to enter into an agreement with Siam Gas. We hope to return to normalcy by the end of this month. As you mentioned, the 30% unsold share of Laugfs Gas Company affects us very seriously. So, the answer lies in the fact that by the end of this month, the Siamese company will be back to normal with the two ships currently in service.” a Litro Gas Company’s Higher Official pointed stated.
“As the quantity of goods in the market decreases, so does the price of black market price comes in. We need to do this as soon as possible to get this supply right. So we as a company are trying to make this supply right. So, if the supply is right, the pressure and the black market price will disappear. We need some time, because within coming two weeks we can get the supply back to normal.” a Litro Gas Company’s Higher Official pointed out.
“This is the sixth time we have visited Litro today. Then we went to the CID from time to time and lodged complaints against Litro. A fraud of Rs. 406 took place. When the 12.5 liter gas tank was reduced from gas to gas, we lodged a complaint against this corrupt Litro Company. Three complaints have been lodged so far, but no action has been taken to date.” the Chairman of The United National Self-Employed Businessmen’s Association Mr. Pradeep Charles said.
