Fuel shortages pose severe risk to hospital operations

A severe risk to maintaining the hospital system exists due to fuel limitations, according to the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA). An emergency central committee meeting of the association was convened to discuss current issues.

A more practical solution within the existing system must be provided immediately to ensure transportation facilities for doctors and health workers to maintain continuous health services, the GMOA stated.

Meanwhile, several sectors, including transport, health, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, allege that the fuel quantity issued via the QR code remains insufficient. Facilities will be provided for passenger buses to obtain between 60 and 360 litres of fuel for one week, National Transport Commission Chairman P.A. Chandrapala mentioned during a press conference held in Colombo yesterday (16).

However, three-wheel drivers claimed that the 15-litre weekly fuel quota is inadequate. Consequently, some drivers increased their fares.

Farmers will receive 15 litres of diesel per acre for harvesting, and 20 litres for ploughing without the QR system, Commissioner General of Agrarian Development Dhammika Ranatunga stated at a press conference in Colombo yesterday (16).

Additionally, fish prices could rise in the future if a sufficient quantity of fuel is not provided, fishermen pointed out.

Amidst this background, President of the Sri Lanka Vehicle Importers Association Prasad Manage and President of the Lanka Vehicle Importers Association Indika Sampath Merinchige requested the government to create a special QR system or a fuel quota for them.