Petroleum dealers are refraining from placing orders for the distribution of fuel from this morning (04) to protest a decision by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to reduce their 45 per cent commission.
Co-secretary of their association Kapila Naotunna said the operational charges commission paid to them by the CPC was nonrefundable and that they were given an assurance the commission would not be reduced.
Fuel distribution will be halted and it will lead to a shortage at CPC filling stations from tomorrow, said Naotunna.
However, energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said there will be no disruption to the distribution of fuel.
In a twitter message, he requested the public not to panic by misleading news alerts and statements.
Meanwhile, an extraordinary gazette notification has been issued, declaring the supply of power and the supply and distribution of fuel as essential public services.
Accordingly, all services linked to the supply of electricity, the supply or distribution of petroleum and sub products, fuel and all services, work, or labour, of any description whatsoever, necessary or required to be done in connection with the maintenance and reception, care, feeding, and treatment, of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, and other similar institutions are included in the notification under the essential category.
