U.S. DISPATCHES CRUDE OIL SAMPLES BUT WON'T REACH SL @BEFORE AUGUST 1

SL SEEKS TO IMPORT U.S. FUEL TO REDUCE TRADE GAP

- KELUM BANDARA

Final decision on oil trade impossible before new tariffs come into effect. Samples had been dispatched through a courier service, but it would take a couple of weeks or more to reach SL

In its bid to start fuel sale to Sri Lanka as part of efforts to reduce the trade gap, the U.S. has dispatched samples of its crude oil to be tested for viability here, an official said.

The U.S. has slapped 30 percent tariffs on Sri Lankan products entering its market. Yet, time has been given till August 1 for talks to explore the possibility of reducing it further in case Sri Lanka takes measures to narrow the trade gap which is in its favour at the moment.