Long fuel queues were observed in several parts of the country on Saturday, as public anxiety mounted following escalating tensions in the Middle East.

However, the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), D.J. Rajakaruna, assured that Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks and there is no immediate risk of a shortage.

Addressing concerns over the queues at selected filling stations, Rajakaruna said the situation was driven by public apprehension rather than an actual supply disruption. He stressed that CPC had conducted a review of existing reserves and confirmed that supplies remain stable.

According to him, the corporation currently holds adequate stocks to meet national demand for 37 days in total, even if no further shipments arrive. Diesel stocks are sufficient for 35 days, while aviation fuel reserves can last up to 47 days.

Rajakaruna further clarified that Sri Lanka does not primarily source refined petrol and diesel from Middle Eastern suppliers. In recent months, consignments have been imported from India, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea, largely due to lower freight costs and shorter shipping distances.

He noted that any potential vulnerability would relate only to crude oil imports. Nevertheless, existing reserves would allow refinery operations to continue for approximately one month without interruption.

Warning against unnecessary panic-buying, Rajakaruna said that sudden surges in demand could create artificial pressure on distribution networks, leading to avoidable inconvenience. He urged the public to remain calm and purchase fuel as required under normal consumption patterns.