LAUGFS Gas PLC has addressed the frustrations of consumers following weeks of scarce domestic gas supplies. Chief Executive Officer Nalinda Kurukulasuriya apologised for the disruption, pointing to global supply headaches and regulatory issues tied to the firm's Hambantota LPG terminal.
He also stood by the steep price revision. According to Kurukulasuriya, the new retail tag of Rs. 6,741 for a 12.5 kg cylinder reflects climbing international LPG costs, increased shipping and insurance charges, tax impacts, and currency fluctuations. He stressed that the hike only covers actual costs without bringing in extra profits.
Terminal restrictions and new supplies
Kurukulasuriya revealed that limits placed after a Board of Investment audit directly hit supplies to the local market from Hambantota. The company had surpassed the allowed amount of LPG permitted for domestic release under rules tied to its export work.
This hurdle forced LAUGFS Gas to hunt for alternative supply lines just as global markets faced constraints. The CEO confirmed that new LPG shipments have now been secured and deliveries have restarted. He also called on the public to stop panic buying, which he warned adds unnecessary strain on current stocks.
“As a company accountable to the country, I must first apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused by our inability to supply gas.”Nalinda Kurukulasuriya
What happens next
The government is working with relevant authorities to address the Hambantota terminal restrictions, and the CEO expects the market shortage to ease in the coming days as distribution continues.
