Urgent Government Intervention Sought Over Fuel Crisis & Supply Chain Disruptions ⛽

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council has issued an urgent appeal for government intervention as the ongoing fuel shortage, exacerbated by Middle East regional tensions, threatens to cripple the nation’s trade sectors. • Core Impact: The shortage is significantly disrupting manufacturing operations, domestic logistics, and the overall efficiency of the national supply chain. • Production Risks: Facilities require consistent daily fuel supplies to sustain production. Operational uncertainties are now jeopardizing Sri Lanka's ability to honor international trade obligations. • Labor & Logistics: Manufacturers face severe difficulties in transporting their workforce to factories. Additionally, fuel scarcity for cargo trucks is delaying the movement of goods between warehouses, container yards, and ports. • Economic Implications: The Council warns that these disruptions threaten foreign exchange earnings and the country’s reputation as a reliable global trading partner. • Demands: The Council calls for prioritized, uninterrupted fuel availability specifically for export & import linked operations, including manufacturing plants and logistics vehicles.