Minister of Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says an extra sum had to be paid for a fuel shipment that is due to arrive on the 13th of July.
Speaking in Parliament today, the Minister said had the payment not been made, the next petrol shipment would have docked on the 22nd of July.
Minister Wijesekera said a shipment from Lanka IOC is due to arrive between the 22nd and 23rd of July adding that a shipment was due to be secured through Malaysia’s Petronas between the 10th and 15th of July.
However, he said dates were not confirmed, adding that other suppliers too have been unable to provide the government a confirmed date prior to the 22nd.
The Energy Minister stated that a shipment can be secured by the 13th, adding that the only concern is the cost, which is relatively higher than other shipments.
Wijesekera said discussions in this regard were held with the President and the Prime Minister, adding that a decision was reached for the first shipment to be accepted.
Accordingly, he said only one company came forward to supply a shipment by the 13th.
The Minister claimed following approval by the Cabinet Sub Committee an advance payment will be made today for the shipment which will arrive in the country on the 15th of July.
The Minister questioned Parliament if the additional payment would be a concern adding that if this shipment is not accepted the public will only be provided fuel after the 22nd.
