Apparel industry to buy direct from fuel agents

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is willing to purchase fuel from bunkering agents and Lanka IOC in a bid to ensure orders stay intact for the next three to four months, according to JAAF Deputy Chairman and Omega Line Group Director Felix Fernando.

He noted that they were attempting to purchase fuel through the JAAF (apparel industry body) to Lanka IOC by paying in dollars at the landed cost.

The apparel industry has been facing electricity shortages due to the regular interruption of supply and due to the lack of diesel in the market the factories are unable to carry out their operations as they do not have the necessary fuel to use the generators.

“For a 7-10 hour power cut we need 2.5 million litres of diesel per week,” he explained adding that they adopted these measures as emergency plans to ensure operations are carried out without disruption.

He noted that some companies had already commenced these operations while others had faced delays due to the current crisis and were compelled to ship their cargo using air freight so as to avoid the delays.

“Some small and large companies, before the holidays, lost many days due to lack of energy,” Mr. Fernando said pointing out “It’s bad but we are secure for the next three to four months in terms of orders.”