Sri Lanka almost out of fuel, with no fresh supplies in sight

Bankrupt nation's energy minister apologises to motorists but unable to say when petrol and diesel imports will be restored

Sri Lanka has increased the price of fuel by up to 22%% after the energy minister warned it had virtually run out of petrol and diesel after several expected shipments were delayed.

Kanchana Wijesekera apologised to motorists as he said on Saturday that oil cargoes that were due last week did not turn up, while those scheduled to arrive next week will also not reach Sri Lanka due to banking" reasons.