It has emerged that the planned transfer of naphtha to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Monday (21) was cancelled, as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) prioritised exporting the fuel.

The CPC stated that it was exporting excess naphtha, but there is now an urgent need to refill the tanks, or the national grid could lose 165 MW of power by Thursday.Adding to the concern, one unit of the Norochcholai power plant is undergoing maintenance until early 2025, leaving only two units operational.

According to the tender agreement, the CPC is required to supply naphtha to the CEB every three days, but this schedule has not been adhered to. If the delay continues, the CEB may need to shift to hydroelectric power or rely on private suppliers, such as the Kerawalapitiya power plant.