FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Ministry of Fisheries in Sri Lanka has announced plans to enhance fuel distribution for the fishing sector by implementing online tracking systems and daily fuel quotas to efficiently manage supplies for over 35,000 fishing vessels.
According to B K Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, the ministry will have access to online departure forms, which will enable the Port Statutory Corporation to deliver the necessary fuel based on this data.
Jinadasa explained that the fuel management approach will vary depending on the size of the fishing operations. For the 5,000 multi-day fishing boats and 900 ‘Iday’ vessels that primarily use diesel, the government is focusing on digital solutions. As part of the new protocol, these larger vessels must complete an online departure form prior to embarking on their fishing trips.
Large multi-day boats typically require around 8,000 liters of fuel per journey, and officials have assured that these amounts will be dispensed without any cuts at state-controlled filling stations to support the continuation of deep-sea fishing activities. Jinadasa noted, “We cannot expect them to refuel while at sea.”
For the smaller fishing sector, which includes about 35,000 one-day boats, with 30,000 currently operational, the emphasis is placed on kerosene. These smaller vessels predominantly use kerosene for their main propulsion, but petrol is necessary for starting their engines.
To facilitate this process, the Department has designated 150 specific filling stations in crucial fishing areas. Fuel distribution will be based on an anticipated work week of four days, providing each boat with a daily allocation of 25 liters. Furthermore, the Ministry is also ensuring that each vessel owner receives an additional 2 liters of petrol to assist with engine ignition. (Colombo/Mar30/2026)
