Sri Lanka’s aviation industry has successfully secured an ample supply of jet fuel, which is expected to last approximately two months, as officials report an improvement in flight schedules.

According to Daminda Rambukwella, the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, flight operations to the Middle East are gradually resuming normalcy, with disruptions primarily affecting only a few countries. Initially, around 50-60 percent of flights were impacted, but this figure has now decreased to about 30 percent.

Rambukwella assured that there is an adequate supply of Jet A-1 for international flights and Avgas for domestic travel. Current statistics indicate that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) maintains a reserve of 34,000 metric tons of Jet A-1 fuel. Additionally, local refineries have contributed another 15,000 metric tons, and further orders totaling 43,000 metric tons have already been placed.

“With an average daily consumption of roughly 1,600 metric tons, Sri Lanka’s fuel reserves are sufficient for nearly 57 days, or approximately two months,” Rambukwella stated.

The fuel supply chain is expected to receive a boost from a shipment of 35,000 metric tons that is currently en route to the island, along with an additional 8,000 metric tons expected by April 2.

Furthermore, the Chief of the Civil Aviation Authority highlighted that the fuel supply for smaller training aircraft is stable, with 271 barrels of Avgas available, far exceeding the daily requirement of just three barrels, thus ensuring a supply for over 100 days.

This assurance of fuel availability encompasses all major airports, including Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala, Jaffna, and the regional airport in Ratmalana.