Our top story involves the Pacific island nation of Sri Lanka, where a fuel shortage has crippled the government and led the country of 22 million people to the brink of financial crisis. The Sri Lankan economy relies heavily on tourism, and the combination of COVID and rising fuel prices, along with years of economic mismanagement, have devastated that market. Representatives of the government have met with Qatari and Russian counterparts this week to try and import more fuel, as well as negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a possible loan. In the meantime, the country chose to shut down schools for two weeks to conserve fuel, and limit fuel purchases to essential services like public transport and hospitals.
"Things have become unbearable for the common man, we want this government to go home." - Sri Lankan teacher’s union leader, also me pretty much daily
More stories of shortage are expected as the situation in Ukraine continues. Many grain-dependent countries are already concerned by the lowered wheat production and limited ability to export supplies. From North Africa to the Pacific islands to here in the US, the coming months will almost certainly bring new stories of shortages and challenges as the global supply chain continues to unravel.
Side Items
Israel’s parliament collapsed after a year in power, no word on what new horrors the next administration will implement and normalize
After a fame-filled career and a remarkably public downfall, R. Kelly got 30 years in prison for racketeering and sex trafficking
Egypt has chosen to destroy 32 iconic houseboats on the Nile, claiming they were unsafe and unlicensed, as if literally everything in that country isn’t