No fuel shortage or price hike- Govt

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says the Sri Lankan Rupee could depreciate further against the US Dollar and may hit the Rs.200 mark in the next couple of days.

The Minister said the upward movement of the US dollar has impacted the importation of oil.

Minister Amaraweera stressed that despite the depreciation of the rupee and the global crisis, the Sri Lankan public will not experience a fuel shortage.

Speaking to media, Minister Amaraweera said the government will not increase the prices of fuel under such circumstances.

He said fuel required for the next 20 days are at storage and claimed that several fuel tankers are expected to arrive at Sri Lankan ports in the upcoming days.

On a separate note, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the government has taken a number of steps to address any shortage of supply of essential commodities.

He said due to the COVID-19 pandemic the importation of essential goods could be impacted and therefore noted the importance of increasing domestic production.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said he has taken a decision to release lands owned by his Ministry to grow crops and address any protentional food shortage.