Sri Lanka: Fuel shortages take on dramatic proportions

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Queue in front of a gas station in Colombo

Photo: AFP

Fuel shortages in Sri Lanka are becoming increasingly devastating: Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Sunday the country's reserves amounted to about 4,000 tons, which is normally equivalent to a day's consumption.

The next delivery is expected on July 22 at the earliest.

Sri Lanka announced a two-week ban on all fuel sales last week.

Petrol and diesel may only be used for the most important services.

According to private bus companies, which are responsible for around two-thirds of bus traffic in the country, only a thousand of the normal 20,000 vehicles were in use on Sunday.

Miles of cars lined up in front of the petrol stations in Sri Lanka's capital - although most pumps have not been dispensing fuel for days.

Local media reported isolated clashes.

People desperately tried to stop the few vehicles on the road to be picked up.

Most shops remained closed.

The country with its 22 million inhabitants is stuck in a devastating financial crisis.

The government is unable to finance essential imports such as food, fuel and medicines.

Sri Lanka has defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt.

It is currently negotiating an aid package with the International Monetary Fund.

ele/AFP