LAUGFS Gas PLC has announced plans to bring three shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Sri Lanka in November as the company works to restore domestic supplies.
According to a company statement, the shipments are scheduled to arrive at the Hambantota Port during three separate periods: November 12–14, November 15–17 and November 24–28.
However, the company noted that the expected arrival dates are subject to shipping schedules, port operations and the necessary regulatory approvals.
LAUGFS Gas said it is currently coordinating with relevant authorities to secure approval to release LPG stocks imported through its Hambantota terminal into the domestic market.
The company also apologised for the difficulties households and businesses have experienced due to ongoing disruptions in gas supplies.
It attributed the challenges affecting international LPG supply chains to tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to maritime transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The company's Hambantota LPG import and export terminal, operated by its subsidiary LAUGFS Terminals Limited, has a storage capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes and was established at an investment of US$65 million.
However, the terminal's ability to supply the local market has been restricted by regulatory conditions associated with its Commercial Hub status under the Board of Investment (BOI) framework.
In response, LAUGFS Gas has sought temporary approval to use the terminal for domestic LPG supplies for a period of three months.
The company is also working with the BOI, the Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Import and Export Control to establish the regulatory and operational arrangements required to operate the terminal outside its existing Commercial Hub status, subject to applicable taxes and duties.
According to LAUGFS Gas, the BOI Chairman has confirmed that the Treasury Secretary has been asked to facilitate the necessary approvals within one week, following instructions from the President. However, the company said the approvals had not been received at the time of its announcement.
Separately, LAUGFS Gas has called for a new tender to secure direct LPG supplies to the Port of Colombo from January 2027 as an additional measure to strengthen supply security.
The company also clarified that neither LAUGFS Gas PLC nor LAUGFS Terminals Limited is designated under sanctions imposed by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
LAUGFS Gas said it remains committed to restoring domestic LPG supplies and improving the reliability of its long-term supply arrangements, while thanking customers and business partners for their patience and understanding.
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