Eight new filling stations soon on A-9 highway

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Eight filling stations will be set up in the liberated areas along the A9 highway with an investment of Rs. 100 million under the Uthuru Vasanthaya 180-day accelerated development program, an official of the Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development Ministry said. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will be the only player in the oil market in the North.

With the opening of the A9 highway and the accelerated development activities in place, the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene are expected to drop in the Northern Province, he said. At present the Government transports oil up to Kankesanthurai through ships incurring heavy expense.

High prices prevailed in the North due to oil being transported by ship and with the opening of the A9 the expenditure would come down and the consumers will benefit, he said. The difference in the oil price between Colombo and the North were Rs. 5 per litre and it is expected to come down in the near future.

The furnace oil requirement for a private power plant at Chunnakam is being transported on the A9 highway and already 10 bowser loads have been transported.

This will fulfill the energy needs of the Northern people, he said.