Sri Lanka: Fuel shortages continue indefinitely nationwide as of May 17 /update 2

Event

The Sri Lankan government has announced ongoing nationwide fuel shortages as of May 17 will continue indefinitely. An economic crisis has affected payments for fuel imports since late March, significantly reducing supplies. Major fuel distributors such as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have intermittently suspended fuel distribution and/or introduced fuel rationing systems in recent weeks. There is limited fuel availability for vehicles; the typical waiting time at refilling stations is a few hours, though fuel stations may suspend services for 2-3 days at short notice if awaiting supplies. Transport services are also likely to be affected. Although industrial users are typically prioritized, additional shortages may disrupt business operations.

Power outages of up to several hours daily are occurring due to the shortages; officials have warned outages may last up to 15 hours in the coming weeks. 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. 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.