Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Kabir Hashim says suspicions have arisen of a possible conspiracy behind the temporary closure of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery.
Speaking at a media briefing today, MP Hashim said Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila should claim responsibility for the closure of the refinery; a first time in the country’s history.
He said the Energy Minister’s name should be penned in tar in history books for achieving this feat.
He said the conflict in Sri Lanka’s energy industry arose owing to the decision to import oil from a Nigerian firm.
MP Hashim claimed a random Nigerian firm was granted the tender to provide oil instead of the leading companies that usually import oil.
He stated that the Nigerian company on three occasions delayed shipments adding that a bond that was signed with the firm had to be cancelled as a result.
The Parliamentarian claimed that this is one phase of the conspiracy to sell the country’s national resources.
MP Hashim added experts in the energy industry have claimed that refining crude oil is 30% more affordable, contrary to claims by Minister Gammanpila that importing refined oil is cheaper.
