FINANCIAL CHRONICLE — An official from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has confirmed that the organization has adequate fuel supplies in light of the recent increase in transshipment activities.
According to J Chandratne, the Additional Managing Director (Technical) of SLPA, the monthly diesel consumption has risen from 1.5 million liters to 2.5 million liters to cater to the needs of terminal operators, service providers, and staff transportation. “Typically, the monthly requirement under normal circumstances was about 1.5 million liters. This volume, which amounts to approximately two bowsers daily (26,400 liters), has been consistently supplied by the Petroleum Corporation to the Ports Authority,” he stated during a press briefing.
Chandratne highlighted that the port is experiencing changes in cargo dynamics, with an overall increase in container throughput ranging from 11% to 15% across all terminals, amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Israel concerning Iran. This uptick is largely attributed to transshipment activities, as the volume of domestic imports and exports has seen a downturn.
Furthermore, the SLPA has reported a decline in domestic cargo—goods entering the local market—and a stagnation in export growth, partly due to disruptions in markets such as Dubai. “The growth that was previously observed has ceased, and there is now a slight decrease in exports,” Chandratne remarked.
The Ports Authority primarily requires diesel for the operation of tugboats, cranes, and prime movers. Operations at out-ports, including Trincomalee, Galle, and Kankesanthurai, continue to function normally, with no additional fuel needs reported, he noted.
