The Sri Lankan Petroleum Corporation plans to open 75 new fuel filling stations nationwide in order to reduce the impact on fuel supply in Sri Lanka. The move comes at a time when fuel supply has been affected in some areas due to disputes between private fuel companies and the government over price hike.
Petroleum Corporation Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna has released information related to this project. He said that permission has been given to set up new stations in areas where the corporation does not have fuel stations and it may be decided to increase the number depending on the demand.
If this project is implemented, people in many areas who currently depend only on private companies’ fuel stations are likely to get an alternative facility. The main objective of this is to avoid long waiting times especially for petrol and diesel.
Impact on fuel supply: A solution to long queues?
In some areas where only private fuel companies operate, the supply of petrol and diesel has been restricted, resulting in long queues, the report said. This situation can cause inconvenience not only to the vehicle owners but also to the public who depend on daily transportation.
Commuters, small traders, people engaged in transport services and agricultural activities may be affected due to delays in fuel availability. Especially those involved in fuel-based industries, if they have to spend time in long queues, their income is also likely to suffer.
Considering this, necessary measures will be taken to avoid inconvenience to the public, said the Chairman of the Petroleum Corporation.
Setting up new fuel stations alone will not be enough. They require continuous supply of fuel and proper management of plant operations. Otherwise, there is a risk of fuel shortages and long queues continuing even as new stations are set up.
Therefore, it is important to properly inform the public about where the new stations are being set up, when they will start operating and how much fuel will be dispensed.
The government is trying to reduce the dominance of private companies
Minister of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka also commented on this issue. He mentioned that the public has been inconvenienced due to the dominance of private fuel companies in outlying districts and provinces.
The minister is of the opinion that this dominance can be reduced by making the stations of the Sri Lanka Petroleum Corporation run parallel to the private companies.
Following this announcement, the main expectation among the public is that fuel supply should be smooth. While setting up of new stations is a welcome move, it is important that the benefits are directly shared with the people.
Also, there is a need for a permanent solution to fuel price disputes. Both the government and private sector should follow clear procedures to ensure that price-related issues do not affect supply again.
In total, the plan to open 75 new fuel stations across Sri Lanka is a major step towards expanding fuel supply. However, the success of this project does not end with the construction of new stations. The expected benefit can only be achieved when continuous fuel supply, fair pricing practices and administrative measures to reduce public inconvenience are implemented together.