Sri Lanka crisis: Long queues at fuel stations as commuters scramble for diesel

The queues for diesel continue to grow longer at fuel stations in Sri Lanka after an unprecedented economic crisis caused by a shortage of foreign currency. The debt-ridden country has been witnessing hours-long power cuts and widespread demonstrations that continued despite a 36-hour-long curfew imposed by the government. The lockdown was lifted on Monday morning at 6 am but the country is still under the effect of a state of emergency. All ministers of the current government have resigned and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has invited opposition parties to accept ministerial portfolios and help find a way out of the crisis situation.

Published on: Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM IST

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

Sri Lankans gather at a fuel station to buy diesel before the beginning of curfew in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  (AP)

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

Long queues were witnessed at fuel stations in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Speaking to ANI, a school van owner said, “There is no diesel in the country. It's been 2 days but I am not able to collect the fuel.” (ANI)

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

People took to streets, shouting slogans and held posters against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a residential area in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Amid the ongoing emergency, Rajapaksa had given the Sri Lankan military sweeping powers, including the right to arrest suspects without warrants. (REUTERS)

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

Banners of “Go home Gota” were seen on the streets as angry protesters shouted slogans against Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (REUTERS)

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

Members of opposition alliance, Samagi Jana Balawegaya  were also seen shouting slogans against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa near Independence Square after the government imposed a curfew in Colombo, Sri Lanka April 3. (REUTERS)

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

Sri Lankan police officers were seen with tear gas guns, walking along a main road as people protest against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a residential area after the government imposed a weekend curfew. (REUTERS)

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Published on Apr 04, 2022 12:33 PM

Police stood guard as protests erupted against the surge in prices and shortage of fuel and other essential commodities in Colombo. (AFP)