Kathmandu,

July 4,

Sri Lanka has less than a day’s worth of fuel left, the energy minister said Sunday, with public transport grinding to a halt as the country’s economic crisis deepened. Petrol and diesel queues snaked through the capital for kilometres, though most pumping stations have been without fuel for days.

Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said the stock of petrol in the country is around 4,000 tonnes, which is just below a day’s consumption. “The next petrol shipment is expected between 22 and 23 (of July),” Wijesekera told reporters in Colombo. “We have contacted other suppliers, but we cannot confirm any new supplies before the 22nd.”

Last week, cash-strapped Sri Lanka announced a two-week halt to the sale of all fuel except essential services to save petrol and diesel for emergencies. Most shops remained closed on Sunday and the situation is expected to worsen when banks and offices open on Monday.