Be careful, the fuel black market is still ongoing

Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney Sunil Watagala, states that as a massive black market for fuel is currently operating across the island, the needs of the general public should be prioritized over the desires of profiteers. The Deputy Minister made this statement while addressing the Maharagama Divisional Coordination Committee meeting held at the Maharagama Divisional Secretariat auditorium on the 27th of last month.

He pointed out that public officials serving under the current National People's Power (NPP) government should pay close attention to fuel conservation. He noted that government institutions currently possess approximately 92,000 vehicles, and if one liter of fuel per vehicle is saved daily, a total of 92,000 liters of fuel could be saved per day. Accordingly, the Deputy Minister explained that vehicle usage in all government institutions, from Divisional Secretariats upwards, should be minimized, and this saving could be achieved through new methods such as using only one vehicle for journeys that would typically require two.

He strongly stated that a practice has now begun where people give pump attendants at fuel stations about Rs. 200 to completely fill their fuel tanks, and that no fuel station should issue fuel outside the QR code system. He also pointed out that providing fuel outside the QR system would create a significant problem for the public.

Mr. Watagala also revealed that information has been received about places secretly selling fuel after fuel stations close. He instructed officials to immediately raid such locations and take legal action if intelligence agencies receive information that fuel is illegally stored in individuals' homes or business premises. The Deputy Minister further stated that the Inspector General of Police has already issued circulars to police stations regarding this matter, and that action should be taken accordingly.