The gas shortage is reportedly still not over.

Gas consumers report that the shortage of Litro and Laugh gas, which has affected many parts of the island, remained severe yesterday (26). However, gas dealers state that the gas shortage has eased to some extent due to intermittent receipt of Litro gas cylinder stocks in Colombo and its surrounding areas.

When inquired yesterday (26), Litro Gas Company Chairman Mr. Channa Gunawardena stated that in light of the current situation, his company has taken steps to release an additional 500 metric tons of gas per day. Accordingly, the Chairman explained that instead of the usual daily release of 1,200 metric tons of gas, a total of 1,700 metric tons, including 150,000 domestic gas cylinders, are now being released to the market daily.

Mr. Channa Gunawardena also mentioned that Litro Company, which imported 28,000 metric tons of gas in February, increased the imported quantity for March to 38,000 metric tons due to the Laugh gas shortage. He further emphasized that Litro gas has even had to be supplied to industries that previously used Laugh gas, and that these industries cannot be allowed to become inactive due to the lack of gas.

Mr. Channa Gunawardena further stated that a gas vessel imported by Laugh Gas Company is expected to arrive in the country within the next two days, so some relief can be expected for the current gas shortage. Accordingly, he expressed confidence that the gas shortage will largely ease by the beginning of next week.