Container transport operators request increased fuel allocation

2026-03-18 - 15:33

Reports indicate that transport operations have been disrupted due to the insufficient fuel quota allocated to lorries used for container transport. Container transport associations warn that if the current fuel allocation is not increased, there is a risk of a breakdown in goods transportation in the near future. Under the new allocation, a container lorry receives 250 litres of fuel per week. The container transport associations have requested the Minister of Ports and Aviation, Anura Karunatilaka, to increase this allocation to 300 litres. When contacted for comment, Mr Karunatilaka stated that the request has already been forwarded to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He further noted that there is currently no issue with container transport operations. He also stated that discussions with the relevant stakeholders are ongoing, and solutions are expected to be provided. In Sri Lanka, 20-foot and 40-foot container lorries (container trucks/trailers) are primarily used for container transport. These are widely utilised for the transportation of goods both around ports and across the island.