Sri Lankan fuel suppliers seek price hike amid rising costs

Private fuel distribution companies in Sri Lanka are calling for an upward revision of fuel prices, citing unsustainable financial pressures. Industry representatives report that rising international fuel prices and increased shipping costs are causing significant losses; one senior official stated that private operators are losing approximately Rs. 170 per litre of diesel sold.

While authorities maintain that sufficient fuel stocks are available in the country, some private filling stations have reported limited diesel supplies and temporary unavailability. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman, D. J. Rajakaruna, noted that costs have risen due to conflicts in West Asia, but indicated that the CPC intends to absorb part of these costs to cushion the impact on consumers.

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka has stated that the government may consider the request to allow private operators to adjust prices based on landed costs. An upward revision could impact the broader economy by increasing transportation fares and food prices, affecting households and small businesses still recovering from previous economic instability.