2026-02-19 / Debate: Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading 2026-02-19
## Summary
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe addressed concerns raised by the Opposition regarding a domestic gas supply shortage, clarifying that the state supplier Litro received 18,078 MT of its 28,000 MT February allocation, with three remaining shipments scheduled for the 22nd, 26th, and 28th of February. He attributed the immediate shortage to a temporary supply disruption from the private sector supplier (covering approximately 20% of the market), which caused consumers to divert to Litro and triggered panic buying. In response, the Government announced a 25% increase in Litro's daily distribution from 1,100–1,200 MT to 1,500 MT for three days to cover the deficit, while the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has directed the private company to urgently supply its own customers and has indicated it will pursue legal action if the company fails to comply. The Minister sought to reassure the public that no systemic shortage exists and that the Government will intervene if the private supplier does not cooperate.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I must clarify matters raised by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition and Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake regarding gas. If their intent is genuinely to understand the situation, we should state the facts for the public.
On the tender process, we called for bids transparently and selected the best supplier in line with procedure—the one who agreed to supply at the lowest price. Names are not the issue; compliance is.
In January our requirement was 23,000 MT; we requested that and received 24,000 MT. For February, we requested 28,000 MT; so far we have received 18,078 MT, with three ships due on the 22nd, 26th, and 28th. The supplier is delivering as per our request.
Litro covers nearly 80% of the domestic market. The CAA twice summoned the private company to explain their supply issues and to intervene on behalf of consumers. They informed that a ship carrying just over 3,000 MT would arrive on 25 February, and another on 3 March. They also said they are trying to purchase from the same supplier that supplies the state company. This message is for those creating fear of a shortage.
Litro distributes to about 85% of consumers. The private company covers just under 20%. Because that private supply stopped for a few days, consumers turned to Litro. Many households keep both yellow and blue cylinders due to past experience. Litro normally releases 1,100–1,200 MT daily; panic buying increased demand suddenly. Therefore, from today for three days we will release 1,500 MT per day—an increase of 25%—to cover the gap left by the other company.
There is a practical issue: those who only have a yellow cylinder cannot immediately switch to blue due to regulator and safety differences, and many cannot afford two deposits. The CAA has written to the private company to urgently supply its own customers; if they fail to do so, the CAA can and will take legal action.
Do not panic. Ships are arriving as scheduled. If the private company will not cooperate, we as a Government will intervene to ensure fairness for consumers. We have already instructed them to immediately bring in and distribute sufficient quantities.
Thank you.