Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today made a special statement in Parliament regarding the country’s financial situation.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe noted that the next three weeks will be a tough period for all Sri Lankans with regards to fuel.
Therefore, the Prime Minister urged citizens to refrain from hoarding fuel and gas during the period.
Premier Wickremesinghe said the country spends around USD 500 million per month for fuel at present while there is a risk of oil prices rising further in the world market.
The Prime Minister noted that some estimate that global oil prices will rise by as much as 40 percent by the end of this year.
Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe added that the government needs around USD 3.3 billion worth of fuel in the next six months.
The Prime Minister said therefore he cannot rule out the introduction of a coupon system for fuel.
Commenting on the gas distribution situation, the Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the government spends nearly USD 40 million per month to import LP gas.
Accordingly, the Prime Minister expects the government will require nearly USD 250 million to import gas in the next six months.
