Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says the daily distribution of diesel to filling stations has been limited since diesel stocks need to be provided for power generation due to a technical breakdown at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister Wijesekera said the daily issuance of 4,000MT of diesel has been reduced to 1,000-1,500MT.
The Minister said this decision was reached since the next diesel shipment received through the Indian Credit Line is scheduled to arrive on the 11th of May.
Minister Wijesekera said a shipment of petrol received through the Indian Credit Line arrived yesterday adding arrangements have been made to release petrol stocks to filling stations soon.
The Energy Minister claimed the policy decision was reached under the directive of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in order to avoid the risk of a 7 to 8-hour power cut being imposed as a result of a technical breakdown at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant reported on Sunday.
He said diesel stocks will be diverted to be used at Thermal Power Plants.
