Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna stated today (22) that electricity generation during nighttime will now rely on diesel.
He explained that due to the unavailability of naphtha, diesel will have to be used as an alternative fuel for power generation.
The Chairman further noted that the situation has arisen due to the failure of two expected crude oil shipments to arrive. As a result, he warned that refinery operations can only be maintained until around the middle of next month.
He added that if the refinery halts, the supply of furnace oil and naphtha—both essential for electricity generation—will be disrupted, creating a serious issue.
Although a furnace oil shipment is expected to arrive around the 12th–13th under an emergency procurement, the continued shortage of naphtha means diesel will still need to be used for power generation.
He also pointed out that this is the reason for the increased demand for multiple diesel shipments.
Meanwhile, the price of diesel has risen by Rs. 140 per litre. The CPC Chairman urged the public to understand the gravity of the situation and support energy conservation efforts by switching off even a single light whenever possible.
He further stated, “Despite public warnings, long queues led to the rapid depletion of previously imported lower-cost fuel stocks. As the situation became unsustainable, it became necessary to increase fuel prices on the 10th to cover the higher cost of new fuel imports.”
These remarks were made during a media briefing held at the Government Information Department.
English (United States) ·