Alarming fuel stock levels in Sri Lanka cripple life

Petrol and diesel queues snaked through the capital for kilometres, though most pumping stations have been without fuel for days, France 24 reports.

Energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said petrol reserves in the country were about 4,000 tonnes, just below one day's worth of consumption.

"The next petrol shipment is expected between the 22nd and 23rd (of July)," Wijesekera told reporters in Colombo.

"We have contacted other suppliers, but we can't confirm any new supplies before the 22nd."

Last week, cash-strapped Sri Lanka announced a two-week halt to all fuel sales except for essential services to save petrol and diesel for emergencies.

Most shops were closed on July 3, with the situation expected to worsen when banks and offices reopen the next day

Desperate people were seen trying to flag down the few vehicles on the road hoping for a ride.

Privately owned buses, which account for two-thirds of the country's fleet, said they operated a skeleton service on Sunday as they were badly affected by the fuel shortage.

"We operated about 1,000 busses across the country out of the 20,000 owned by our members," Private Bus Operators Association chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said.

"The situation will certainly get worse tomorrow because we have no way of getting diesel."

Sri Lanka is currently in talks with the International Monetary Fund for a possible bailout after the country defaulted on its $51 billion external debt in April.