COLOMBO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation on Monday ordered all fuel stations to stop dispensing fuel into bottles and cans with immediate effect, citing intelligence reports that racketeers were buying fuel in containers and reselling it on the black market at inflated prices.
D.J. Rajakaruna, chairman of the corporation, said fuel stations have been instructed not to provide fuel for such containers until further notice. On Sunday, there were queues near gas stations as some feared a fuel shortage due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Rajakaruna said the country has sufficient patrol to last 37 days and diesel to last 35 days. He also said the corporation distributed over 1.3 million liters of diesel and 2,019,600 liters of Octane 92 petrol across the island by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, despite it being a government holiday.
Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody said fuel distribution from regional depots and distribution centers would continue as usual on Monday. He said storing fuel at private homes is illegal, adding that police have been asked to take legal action against those hoarding fuel. ■
