Police have observed that members of the public are improperly stockpiling fuel in response to the prevailing instability in the Middle East region.

In a statement, the Police Media Division said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has assured that sufficient fuel stocks are available in the country and urged the public not to give in to unnecessary fear.

Despite this assurance, certain groups have reportedly been collecting fuel in an organised manner using cans and other external containers. In response, all police stations have been instructed to coordinate with filling station management to prevent such practices.

Accordingly, until further notice, fuel should not be issued into cans, bottles or other containers, except for essential purposes such as for fishing vessels, factories, work sites, agricultural activities and domestic requirements.

The statement further noted that the Sri Lanka Police will take legal action against individuals or groups engaged in hoarding fuel for resale at inflated prices. Authorities also warned that those spreading false information regarding fuel supplies through social media platforms will face legal consequences.