"The next three weeks will be a tough time for us in regards to fuel. It is time we all must use fuel and gas as carefully as possible. Unessential travel should be limited as much as possible. Therefore, I urge all citizens to refrain from thinking about hoarding fuel and gas during this period," Wickremesinghe said.

"After those difficult three weeks, we will try to provide fuel and food without further disruptions. Negotiations are underway with various parties to ensure this happens. After these difficult three weeks, we are trying to ensure the shortage of fuel and gas will have ended. Let’s face these difficult three weeks united and patiently," he added.

The Prime Minister said that Sri Lankan spends $500 million per month on fuel and that the global crisis risks raising oil prices further.

"Some estimate that global oil prices will rise by as much as 40 per cent by the end of this year. In this context, the idea of introducing a coupon system for fuel cannot be ruled out.

"Somehow we have to find $3,300 million worth of fuel for the next six months," he added.

"It costs $40 million a month to import gas. We are currently using multilateral assistance, local currency and Indian loans to import gas. We will require $250 million over the next six months for gas."

The Prime Minister said the United Nations will make a global appeal on June 9 to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has been hit by an unprecedented economic crisis that has triggered widespread shortages of fuel, food as well as medicines. This in turn has sparked unending anti-government protests.

(With UNI inputs)