Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila says there may be a temporary fuel shortage, as a result of people obtaining fuel in excess from filling stations.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing today, Minister Gammanpila said even if there is a shortage of fuel it will only last one or two days, adding there is no link between the price and a fuel shortage.
He added the fuel price depends on the usage and not the supply and demand.
The Energy Minister stated excess demand is temporary, adding persons who pumped between Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 worth fuel daily, fill their tanks when there is a fuel shortage.
He said then fuel brought to filling stations for two or three days, finishes in a day, and due to panic buying there may be a shortage for two to three days till fuel is provided to filling stations, with the limited bowsers.
Meanwhile the Minister noted he called a media briefing on the 29th of September to announce the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery will have to close.
He said it will not affect the country and is an internal matter that will only affect the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Minister Gammanpila said the opposition had claimed the Refinery was closed to purchase fuel at higher rates through spot tenders, to get a higher commission.
He requested the opposition to inform the government if it is aware of a supplier who can provide fuel for lower rates than what the government is currently purchasing fuel for, adding if not the opposition must apologise to the entire nation.
When questioned on whether plans are underway to sell the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery to a foreign company, Minister Gammanpila said he is not aware of such plans.
