As Sri Lanka is currently undergoing a transformation in the energy sector, the government has requested the public to reduce fuel consumption and use more fuel efficient vehicles.
Also, the government has advised people to switch to electric vehicles and reduce electricity consumption during periods of high electricity demand.
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka has said that controlling fuel prices alone will not be enough to ensure the country’s energy security. He also pointed out that measures should be taken to control the use of fuel.
The Minister made these remarks while attending the event where the construction work for the new petroleum infrastructure project was started in Muthurajawela area.
The public is also responsible for reducing fuel consumption
The Minister mentioned that controlling the price of fuel in the country is not the only solution for energy security. He said that the amount of fuel used should also be taken into consideration.
The Minister stressed that the public also has an important responsibility in reducing fuel consumption. Fuel consumption can be reduced by measures such as reducing unnecessary journeys, using vehicles sparingly and choosing fuel efficient vehicles instead of high fuel consumption vehicles.
In particular, the government expects people to take note of opportunities to use electric vehicles. As many countries of the world are gradually moving towards electric vehicles, it is necessary for Sri Lanka not to be left behind in the change, it seems from the current attitude of the government.
At the same time, the minister said that solar power is also given an important place in the country’s energy transition. Under the Renewable Energy Expansion Plan, the government expects to connect another 1,200 MW of solar power to the national grid by 2029.
Through this, it is expected to increase the contribution of renewable energy in future electricity generation and gradually reduce the country’s dependence on fuel.
Also, the government has said that there is a need for change in the way electricity is used. In particular, the public has been requested to avoid unnecessary use of electricity at times of high electricity demand and use electricity at other times as possible.
New Petroleum Infrastructure Projects
Construction of new petroleum infrastructure in Muthurajawela area has also started. This includes pipeline and storage facilities for Jet A-1 jet fuel, as well as construction of three new petroleum storage tanks.
Five storage tanks with a total capacity of 92,000 cubic meters will be set up under the Jet A-1 project. This will further increase the country’s capacity to store and distribute aviation fuel.
It also involves the construction of a 21-km long underground pipeline to connect the Muthurajavela campus with the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
It is expected that this will reduce the difficulties in the current procedures of transporting aviation fuel and create a safe and continuous supply system.
At the same time, Sri Lanka Petroleum Storage Terminal Corporation is constructing three more storage tanks at Muthurajavela. Once these works are completed, the country’s petroleum storage capacity will increase by another 40,000 cubic meters.
President Anurakumara Dissanayake has stated that the government’s mission is to continue to strengthen the government’s contribution to the energy sector and provide efficient service to the public.
In this case, on the one hand, measures are being taken to strengthen the country’s fuel storage and distribution infrastructure. On the other hand, the government also aims to reduce fuel consumption and use alternative energy sources.
Increasing the use of electric vehicles, expanding solar power and changing the public’s fuel consumption habits are likely to be important aspects of future energy policy.
Steady management of the country’s total energy consumption is more important in the long term than measures related to reducing or controlling fuel prices alone. The current demand is that the public should work together with the government.