World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Fuel tanker owners threaten nationwide distribution halt
Sri Lanka's private fuel tanker operators have issued an ultimatum to the state petroleum corporation, warning of a complete withdrawal from distribution services if their grievances remain unresolved by early October.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners' Association (SLPPTOA) has announced plans to cease all fuel distribution activities across the country unless the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) addresses its outstanding concerns by October 2.
According to the association, the organization has been seeking resolution from CEYPETCO for nearly a year without receiving satisfactory action. The unresolved grievances have prompted the tanker owners to set the Friday deadline as their final attempt to secure a settlement before escalating to a complete service withdrawal.
Such a halt in private tanker operations would significantly impact fuel distribution networks nationwide, potentially affecting supplies to petrol stations and causing disruptions to the transportation and logistics sectors. The warning reflects mounting tensions between private fuel transporters and the state-owned petroleum distributor over operational and commercial issues.
The standoff underscores ongoing challenges in Sri Lanka's fuel supply chain management and the critical role played by private tanker operators in maintaining the country's petroleum distribution infrastructure. Officials and industry stakeholders are expected to intensify negotiations in the coming days to avert the threatened suspension.