A gas shortage again in the market

The bitter memory of gas queues that severely affected the public during the past economic crisis has been reawakened, as a domestic gas shortage has once again emerged across the island these days. Due to the insufficient supply of gas cylinders in the market, consumers in many areas are currently forced to spend their time in long queues to purchase gas, which has severely impacted normal daily life as well as business activities.

The most immediate and serious consequence of this situation is reported from Kandy city. Hotel owners state that several hotels using 'Laugfs' gas in Kandy city and many surrounding towns have been forced to close down due to the severe shortage of Laugfs gas. Gas dealers in Kandy state that deliveries can only be made if gas stocks are received from Colombo.

The gas crisis has affected the supply networks of both major companies on the island. Consumers indicate that Laugfs domestic gas supply has been halted for about three weeks in many areas of the Western Province, including Colombo, and Litro gas supply has also been disrupted for about a week. The situation in outstation areas is even more regrettable. Consumers in those areas say that Laugfs gas has almost completely disappeared from the market for nearly a month.

Laugfs gas dealers are also facing severe difficulties due to the current situation. Dealers state that they have not received adequate stocks at their shops for the past three weeks, and when inquired from the company, they have so far failed to provide a proper and clear answer.

However, company authorities state that this situation will be resolved promptly. When inquired yesterday (14) from Litro Company Chairman Channa Gunawardena regarding the shortage in the market, he stated that there was a certain shortage in his company's gas supply for about the past two days. However, as the company has now received the necessary new gas stocks, he expressed confidence that the shortage will be completely overcome by today (15) and market supply will return to normal.

Meanwhile, a senior official of Laugfs Gas Company has also admitted that a problematic situation arose regarding the existing gas stocks. The official further stated that new gas stocks are expected to arrive in the country within the next few days, and therefore steps will be taken to promptly restore the supply network.

Although the respective companies have thus assured that the supply will be restored, consumers are still in great difficulty. Due to past experiences, the fear and unease among the public persist regarding whether a severe era of gas queues will once again emerge in the country.