“As a result of a shortage of 2000 metric tons of fuel, 550 mega watt power plants were shut down today,” said the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka ( PUCSL).

4000 metric tons of fuel per day are required to generate electricity.

The PUCSL said that only 1000 metric tons of fuel are supplied for tomorrow and that there is a shortage of 3000 metric tons.

The shortage, if it remains, would cost a reduction 750 mega watt from the national grid bringing the potential of electricity supply down further.

The Ceylon Electricity Board ( CEB) had requested the PUCSL for rotational power shedding which is expected to last for 4 hours and 40 minutes for areas A,B, C while power cuts are to last for 4 hrs and 30 mins in all other areas, said the PUCSL.