Sri Lanka Military Troops open fire after shortage of fuel, fuel riots instigated in Sri Lanka. Sri Lank is facing an unprecedented queues for petrol and diesel were witnessed across the bankrupt country.
The riots started in Visuvamadu, 365 kilometres north of Colombo, on Saturday night, and the troops had to intervene to control the situation, army spokesman Nilantha Premaratne said.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Thursday “Fuel stocks of Sri Lanka will last for about five more days”, iterated by the power and energy minister of Sri Lanka.
The island nation expects an official confirmation from the Indian government for a new $500 million credit line for fuel.
Chronic fuel shortages have worsened this week with kilometers-long lines at some gas stations countrywide, leading to sporadic protests as vehicle owners wait, sometimes overnight, for petrol and diesel.
Sri Lanka is unable to make $725 million in overdue payments to suppliers and also struggling to open letters of credit for future shipments, it was intimated in a press release on Thursday.
The stocks cover fuel for vehicles, some industries and essential services. A month ago, the prime minister said there was only enough petrol for one day. Sri Lanka Military Troops open fire on Fuel Riots.
The country with a population of 22 million people is caught in its worst financial crisis in seven decades after its foreign exchange reserves shrank to record lows, with dollars running out to pay for essential imports including food, medicine and fuel.
“We are struggling to get fuel supplies due to our forex issues and the government is working to manage existing stocks of diesel and petrol until June 21,” he told reporters.
Various countries in South Asia such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. are facing economic crises after the long wave of COVID-19 and expected recession in many parts of the world.
“We are finding it very difficult to meet demand and stocks could run out faster if we do not cut back on non-essential travel and stop hoarding fuel.” Sri Lanka Military Troops open fire on Fuel Riots.
