Diesel to be used for nighttime power generation amid fuel supply concerns

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that a decision about a possible increase in electricity tariffs will be made public on April 01, 2026. During a media briefing today, March 22, he discussed the recent rise in fuel prices and emphasized that the government does not plan to raise electricity rates due to the current global market situation. However, he mentioned that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) suggested a 13% hike in electricity tariffs based on observations from December and January. The final decision will be revealed on April 01 by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL). At the same briefing, D.J. Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), raised concerns about a potential fuel shortage affecting power generation. He stated, “If a shipment of crude oil does not arrive on March 24 or 25, we can only keep refining operations running until around March 25. This means that our supplies of fuel oil and naphtha, both essential for electricity generation, may run out, creating a serious issue.” Rajakaruna added that while a fuel oil shipment is anticipated on April 12 or 13, there is no naphtha shipment planned. Therefore, diesel will need to be used as an alternative, especially for nighttime power generation. He also called on the public to help conserve energy by turning off lights that are not needed and reducing street lighting wherever possible. Rajakaruna stressed that cooperation and sacrifice from everyone will be crucial for managing the situation in the coming days in Sri Lanka.