Sri lanka: Sri Lanka has sufficient aviation fuel stocks to support both domestic and international flight operations, despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to Civil Aviation Authority Director General and Chief Executive Officer Captain Daminda Rambukwella.
According to News.LK, Captain Rambukwella made these remarks during a special media briefing held today at the Government Information Department. He noted that the impact on local and international airlines, which stood at around 55-60% in recent weeks due to the Middle East situation, has now reduced to approximately 30-35%.
Captain Rambukwella stated that most Middle Eastern destinations are currently operating according to scheduled flight operations, although flights to some countries remain suspended. He further explained that Jet A-1 and Avgas are used as aviation fuels, and during the initial stages of the fuel crisis, a special committee was appointed by the Civil Aviation Authority to address related issues.
At present, th
e Ceylon Petroleum Corporation maintains a stock of 34,000 metric tons of aviation fuel, while an additional 15,000 metric tons are sourced from refineries. Another 43,000 metric tons have already been ordered. Sri Lanka’s average daily aviation fuel consumption stands at around 1,600 metric tons, and current reserves are sufficient for approximately 57 days. In addition to existing stocks, a further 35,000 metric tons of fuel ordered by the CPC has already arrived in the country.
He also noted that another shipment carrying 8,000 metric tons is expected to arrive on April 2, while additional fuel stocks have been ordered through the tender process. Accordingly, he emphasized that sufficient fuel is available to maintain uninterrupted civil aviation operations.
Meanwhile, 271 barrels of Avgas, used for light aircraft, are currently in stock. With a daily requirement of about three barrels, these reserves are sufficient for approximately 107 days. He also assured that adequate fuel stocks are available for l
arge aircraft such as Boeing 777s.