Tensions flare in Mannar as fuel shortages continue

As fuel queues continued to grow across the island, tensions flared in Mannar this week amidst reports of gas cylinders being hoarded and unequal distribution of fuel with many suffering across the North-East.

 24 June 2022

Earlier today, Sri Lankan police officers as well as the Mannar District Government Agent and Divisional Secretary had to intervene as locals accused a business of hoarding a stock of gas cylinders.

Long queues were reported across the district, as hundreds filed up at petrol stations in the hopes of receiving a small supply of fuel.

Earlier this week, health care workers were given priority at the IOC petrol station on the Mannar - Talaimannar main road, as part of an effort to ensure essential services could still function, as Sri Lanka’s economic crisis continues to batter the Tamil North-East.

See more photographs below.