Sri Lanka: Authorities suspending distribution of fuel nationwide until further notice as of May 11 /update 1

Event

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced that it is suspending the distribution of fuel across the country as of May 11 until further notice. The suspension is due to ongoing civil unrest and a nationwide curfew, which is active through at least 07:00 May 12. Major fuel distributor Litro Gas Lanka Limited is rationing fuel reserves accumulated before the suspension. Other large distributors may adopt similar measures.

Power outages of up to several hours are likely due to the shortages. Power disruptions will probably cause business and transport disruptions. Businesses without backup generators may have to suspend operations. Traffic lights and railway signaling mechanisms may not function, resulting in transport disruptions. Officials are likely to ration fuel, limiting fuel availability for vehicles. Increased use of hydropower plants to ease shortages may also exacerbate municipal water outages caused by electricity disruptions. Water filtration and security systems running on electricity may malfunction, increasing the risk of health issues and opportunistic crimes.

Fuel shortages and power outages will probably exacerbate ongoing protests in the country. Protesters have blocked roads and obstructed the passage of fuel tankers in several areas in recent days. Residents could gather at public squares, gas company facilities, and government offices. Transport associations may hold strikes, exacerbating transport disruptions. Police typically act quickly to disperse protestors and remove roadblocks; the use of force during especially disruptive protests may lead to retaliatory violence.

Advice

Limit vehicle use to preserve fuel. Allow considerable extra time to obtain fuel, if necessary. Avoid protests due to the potential for clashes. If fuel is needed for operations, contact government authorities for permission, and consider stockpiling fuel, if possible. Follow all security and traffic advisories. Confirm travel reservations in advance. Plan for ground travel delays. Any traveler encountering nonoperational traffic lights should treat the intersections as a four-way stop. Charge all batteries and mobile devices. Ensure generators have a sufficient fuel supply in case the outage becomes protracted. Restrict cellular phone use to emergencies if operating in an area without power. Conserve water as a precaution.