To prevent any future energy crises, the Sri Lankan government is swiftly implementing measures to purchase petroleum products, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), from Qatar through a government-to-government agreement, according to an official.
D.A. Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), confirmed that two rounds of discussions have already been held with Qatar Energy (formerly Qatar Petroleum) to explore importing these products at lower rates under the agreement. Since Qatar Energy is a state-owned company, this deal is feasible.
When asked about similar agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rajakaruna explained that energy purchases in the UAE are handled by private companies, not the government.
Currently, Sri Lanka purchases fuel from the open market through a tendering process. Additionally, the government is planning to rationalize the establishment of new filling stations. While around 1,300 filling stations are in operation, many were set up in an ad hoc manner. Going forward, new stations will be strategically placed based on a scientific map being developed by Moratuwa University.
