Deprivation fuels widespread rage on the streets
Millions of furious Sri Lankans have spent days and nights at fuel stations during the New Year. Such desperation had not even been seen during the coronavirus disease pandemic when panic set in amid hundreds of deaths of innocents.
At New Year, most small- scale fuel stations were closed and long lines formed at those that were open. Distribution from Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals was barely enough.
State- owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation alone operates more than 1,200 pumping stations.
At some fuel stations arguments and fights were common and police often intervened.
People, some carrying cans, were on the edge. What they could buy were limited quantities and they were paying a heavy price. A litre of 92 octane petrol is Rs. 254.
Some Sri Lankans who waited for fuel, never went home alive, including a man who collapsed in his vehicle, having spent time overnight in a line.
In Yakkala, Pubudu Gamage, said that he had to wait for over two hours for 92 octane petrol as it was unavailable in Kiribathgoda and Kadawatha. And when it was his turn, a three- wheeler jumped the line. He is sure that the three- wheeler belonged to the Nittambuwa police.
“I am planning to go to Galle with my family. I came all the way to Yakkala because our family needs to join the New-Year get together at my wife’s parents’ place,’’ he said.
Three- wheel drivers have been parked at fuel stations, rather than running hires.
Ragama resident, Chandrasiri Madanayake, 62, said he was unable to get an income comparable to last year.
Retired state worker, Mr Madanayake, said that fares earned from hires of his three- wheeler helps to buy medicine for his wife.
“Fuel prices are high and there is not enough. Normally, during the
New Year month I run more hires so I could buy clothes for my wife and toys for my grandchildren,” he said.
This year, he did not have the money or the time to go shopping.
Many fuel stations in Colombo, Battaramulla, Pagoda, Ambalangoda, and Galle were shut.
At the Southern Expressways service areas, the lines for fuel extended at least 500 meters even at
around 8 p.m.
People returning to Colombo via the expressway said that they too waited for fuel.
The Sunday Times observed that there were no crowds or vehicles in Colombo, unlike before.
Private bus operations had been pared. The head of the Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne said that they plan to operate buses to the provinces at the weekend because diesel could be purchased in Colombo.
But, to operate buses from the provinces into the capital, diesel needs to be available.
It was the worst time for most poor homemakers who lined up in desperation to buy kerosene and many were angry they did not have fuel to cook New Year meals.