Sri Lanka: Fuel shortages continue indefinitely nationwide as of June 28 /update 4

Event

The Sri Lankan government is limiting fuel supply for vehicles to essential and public transport carriers through July 10 due to ongoing nationwide fuel shortages. Authorities have also advised telecommuting for public and private organizations during this period. Officials had earlier limited nonessential government services and in-person educational classes, discouraged nonessential transport usage, as well as mandated the closure of government offices on Fridays. 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) are suspending fuel distribution for nonessential vehicles and/or enforcing fuel rationing systems. There is limited fuel availability for permitted 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. Private vehicles are likely to be the worst 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. Confirm business contingency plans account for prolonged telecommuting arrangements.