Sri Lanka plans 45-day fuel reserves, major pipeline upgrades and smart meter rollout

Newswire reports that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined the measures in Parliament while presenting the 2027 Budget. The plans seek to bolster energy security and improve fuel handling and electricity infrastructure, including a goal of holding fuel sufficient for 45 days.

Newswire reports that Rs. 22.34 billion is earmarked for a jet-fuel line running from Muthurajawela to Bandaranaike International Airport, alongside storage facilities able to hold 92,000 metric tonnes.

Newswire reports that the Government has invited bids for a Rs. 16,332 million pipeline linking Kolonnawa and the Harbour. The project is intended to reduce fuel unloading from 96 hours to 48 hours and is due to be completed in 18 months. Newswire reports that delays currently cost about US$30,000 a day in payments to shipping companies, and says the project is expected to lower these demurrage costs.

Newswire reports that the Budget proposes free smart meters for 300,000 electricity users consuming more than 180 units. The proposal also covers Lanka Electricity Company customers whose use exceeds 120 units.

Newswire reports that households adding batteries to new rooftop solar installations would receive Rs. 25,000 for each kWh of storage capacity, up to Rs. 250,000 for systems with capacity no greater than 10 kWh. The programme has a proposed allocation of Rs. 3,500 million. Newswire also reports a proposal to abolish the 10% Port and Airport Development Levy on imported batteries for solar storage.