Sri Lanka has run out of fuel and the island nation is suspending the sale of fuel for the next two weeks.
Government spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said fuel is only to be sold for essential services like the health sector, reported AFP. Law and order, ports, airports, food distribution, and agriculture are also listed as essential services.
He also asked private-sector employees to work from home. All government schools were shut down last week because the government could not afford to import fuel. State institutions have been working with a few staff but were going to shut down this week. After Gunawardana promised to restore fuel supplies, they will remain open till July 10.
The government also apologised for the inconvenience caused to the people. A day ago, authorities announced that they will implement a token system to ration distribution for fuel. High inflation and lengthy power blackouts have been plaguing the nation due to the worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948.
Sri Lanka has 22 million people and is struggling to meet basic needs like having all meals. The UN launched an emergency programme as four out of five people are skipping meals because they cannot afford to eat. The World Food Programme said it will soon begin distributing food to 2,000 pregnant women in Colombo alone.