Debate over potential power crisis in parliament

Auto diesel stocks remain available until April 12, Octane 92 petrol until April 23, and both Super diesel and Octane 95 petrol until May 10, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody announced in Parliament today (17).

These details were provided in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27(2). Premadasa questioned how the Middle East crisis impacts the country, the measures taken to prevent an energy shortage, and the overall economic implications. He specifically highlighted a recent drop in daily power generation at the Norochcholai coal power plant—by 130 to 135 MW—increasing the reliance on diesel and raising concerns about potential power cuts.

Predicting such crises earlier would have allowed for better preparation, Premadasa noted, suggesting the Middle East situation is long-standing.

If sufficient storage tanks had been constructed previously, current issues would not exist, but the present government is now working to expand oil storage capacity, Minister Jayakody stated. He remarked that Middle East conflicts have persisted since the 1980s and argued that relying on QR codes is not a practical long-term solution.

No power cuts have been implemented so far due to the Middle East crisis, as the government continuously works to provide an uninterrupted supply, the Minister added. However, he cautioned that a time may come when circumstances shift, potentially making some power cuts necessary.

Planning months in advance is difficult given the changing global landscape, and expectations that the war would end as predicted by the US have not materialised, Jayakody mentioned while urging for an understanding of global realities. A heated exchange ensued in the chamber as members from both the government and opposition shouted during the discussion between the Minister and the Opposition Leader.