China led Sri Lankan crisis forces Colombo run to Moscow for fuel supply

Colombo, Jul 16: Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera on Saturday (Jul 16) said that his govt is in discussion with Russia for the purchase of fuel amid the raging energy crisis in the country. Wijesekara introduced a fuel rationing scheme titled the "National Fuel Pass" scheme.

 

 

 

 

Power Minister Wijesekera lauded the Indian govt for giving a credit line for purchasing fuel as the economic crisis continues to affect over 20 million Sri Lankans. Wijesekera said, "We have made requests (for fuel) to different countries. So, any country that comes to help us, we appreciate that. Right now, the Indian government is the only country that has provided us with a credit line."

 

 

 

 

 

The minister further added, "We are in discussion with the Russian Government as well...The initial meetings have taken place in Russia. We have given our requirements and we are working on it. We are waiting to hear what sort of facility will be accommodated to Sri Lanka." The new pass will guarantee the allocation of fuel quota on a weekly basis.

 

A QR code will be given for each National Identity Card number (NIC), once the Vehicle Identification Number and other details are verified. People with registered vehicles will get their turns based on the last digit of their registration number. Amid the ongoing fuel crisis, tourists and foreigners will be given priority to take fuel in Colombo.