President directs all Ministries and officials to conserve fuel

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed the importance of each Ministry developing a realistic plan for fuel conservation. He highlighted that this plan should be sustainable and based on data to minimize energy use. According to a statement from the President’s Media Division, he has asked for a report on this subject to be submitted quickly at the ministerial level. These instructions came during a meeting with a committee responsible for overseeing the distribution of essential goods, which took place today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat. Following a meeting on the previous day (16) with Ministers and Ministry Secretaries, the President formed this committee to ensure that both state and private supply chains operate smoothly. The goal is to make sure that essential goods are available to the public at fair prices without shortages. The rising prices of goods due to increasing fuel costs were also discussed. The focus was on finding ways to keep essential food items affordable for the public while also supporting farmers. The PMD noted that alternative price control methods were considered. Additionally, the Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development mentioned that talks are ongoing with both state and private organizations involved in distributing essential food items, such as Sathosa, along with wholesale importers to understand their fuel needs. He added that they are creating a coordinated plan with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to maintain these services without interruption. Efforts are also being made to evaluate the fuel needs of the tourism sector and to continue the previously established QR system. A strategy is being developed to ensure that hotels receive necessary gas and fuel supplies. Currently, fuel is being provided for multi-day fishing boats and port activities, while attention is also directed towards allocation issues. The Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development reported that, following the President's directives from yesterday, they have begun collecting and recording information about industrialists. A plan has been created in partnership with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to guarantee the fuel supply needed by these industries. It was also mentioned that fuel for agricultural activities is being distributed based on recommendations from agricultural research officers.