Petroleum Resources Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said today that he had informed the President of a malicious campaign to discredit the government by means of spreading false rumours regarding a fuel shortage.

He said that he had requested the President to take action in this regard and said the President had promised him he would.

Furthermore, the Minister said, addressing a press conference in Colombo this afternoon, the Petroleum Resources Ministry had filed a complain with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Police over the false rumours that were spreading regarding a fuel shortage.

The Petroleum Resources Ministry refuted yesterday that there was any shortage of fuel in the country and this morning announced a hotline - 0115455130 – through which the public could report any shortages.