<ul><li>Consumers claim hike ‘illegal, exploitative’</li><li>NTC rules out bus fare revision&nbsp;</li><li>Private bus owners give week’s ultimatum&nbsp;</li><li>School van fees upped by 5%</li><li>Tea smallholders in dire straits&nbsp;</li></ul>Following the Government’s decision to increase fuel prices across all categories with effect from Monday (9), several consumer groups and industry representatives yesterday (10) warned of a cascading impact on transport costs, essential goods and household expenses, with some demanding urgent policy revisions and others announcing immediate fee hikes.The upward revision, introduced amid rising global oil prices and similar increases in a number of countries, has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates who claim the burden is once again being shifted onto the public.When contacted by The Daily Morning, National Consumer Front Chairperson Asela Sampath alleged the increase was “illegal” and claimed the Government had failed to adhere to the existing pricing formula.“The Government claims that the Treasury currently has strong financial reserves, but such funds are being generated through measures that place an unfair burden on consumers. This is the latest example,” he said. “If the Government acts in this manner, importers and traders will also raise the prices of essential commodities. This amounts to the Government exploiting consumers and allowing the private sector to do the same.”The transport sector also raised regulatory concerns in the wake of the price hike.Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association President Gemunu Wijeratne told The Daily Morning that they have given the Government one week to address their concerns, including revising the nearly 24-year-old formula used to determine bus fares.“The Government should revise the outdated formula to reflect current economic realities. Although we can launch trade union action such as a strike, we do not intend to do that now. Our intention is to resolve the matter within policy frameworks,” he said.However, the National Transport Commission announced that bus fares will not be revised despite the increase in diesel prices.NTC Director General Dr. Nilan Miranda confirmed that although diesel prices were increased with effect from Monday midnight (9), the increase does not warrant a revision of bus fares. Accordingly, the current fare structure will remain in effect.Three-wheeler operators echoed similar concerns, pointing to the absence of a formal mechanism to revise fares in line with fluctuating petrol prices.All Ceylon Three Wheeler Drivers' Union President Lalith Dharmasekara said that operators face difficulties as there is no structured system to adjust charges.“Even if petrol prices rise sharply or fall drastically, we do not have a proper mechanism to revise our charges,” he said, urging the National Transport Commission to appoint a price revision committee to regulate maximum charges for three-wheelers, school vans, office transport services and taxis.Meanwhile, the All Ceylon School Children’s Transport Association announced a 5 per cent increase in school transport fees with effect from yesterday, citing the Rs. 22 per litre increase in Auto Diesel.Association President Lalith Chandrasiri Fernando said that the decision was taken after consultations, noting that a monthly fee of Rs. 10,000 would increase by Rs. 500.Elsewhere, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association stated that there are no immediate plans to increase bakery product prices, although future revisions remain possible if operating costs continue to rise.The National Tea Planters’ Association also warned that smallholder tea growers are facing mounting difficulties due to higher transport costs, particularly in remote plantation areas where produce must be transported by lorries and trucks.With consumer groups warning of further price increases in essential goods and several sectors seeking regulatory intervention, the latest fuel hike appears set to intensify cost-of-living pressures across the country.

Fuel Hike Hits Hard 

<ul><li>Govt cites panic buying, global surge and stock depletion</li></ul> A fresh fuel price hike – the second within nine days – has triggered a heated row, with the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) accusing the Government of violating the fuel pricing formula to pave the way for an electricity tariff increase.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (10), ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika alleged that the latest revision was timed strategically while the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is reviewing a proposed 13.56% electricity tariff hike sought by the now liquidated Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026.He pointed out that under the pricing formula, fuel price adjustments are to be made only on the first day of each month. While a revision was already effected on 1 March, all fuel categories were increased again on Monday night (9), with effect from yesterday.“This move was intended to earn an undue profit and to create conditions that would make it difficult for the PUCSL to reject an electricity tariff increase. The Government’s plan was to increase fuel prices significantly so that the PUCSL would be left with little choice but to approve a tariff hike. The public should oppose these corrupt practices,” Dhammika charged.Accordingly, Auto Diesel was increased by Rs. 22 to Rs. 303 per litre, Super Diesel by Rs. 24 to Rs. 353, Petrol 92 Octane by Rs. 24 to Rs. 317, and Petrol 95 Octane by Rs. 25 to Rs. 365. Kerosene rose by Rs. 13 to Rs. 195 per litre. The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation PLC also aligned its prices with those of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).The CPC attributed the revision to rising global fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.Defending the decision, Managing Director of Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) Mayura Neththikumarage said the adjustment was a precautionary step to prevent a sharper price spike later.He explained that while Sri Lanka maintains stocks sufficient for about 30 days, fuel prices are determined based on global rates two to three days before shipments are unloaded. Although prices are usually revised based on the previous month’s average, the cost of upcoming shipments had risen significantly.“In order to prevent a sudden surge in fuel prices and to carefully divide the available stocks between months, we normalised the price,” he said.Neththikumarage added that the measure would help curb hoarding and ensure stable distribution without queues. He noted that if global prices decline, local prices could be revised downward within days.CPC Chairperson D.J. Rajakaruna also pointed to panic buying as a major factor behind the hike. He said excessive purchasing in recent days, driven by fears of shortages, directly contributed to the price escalation.“If such heavy purchasing had not occurred, it would have been possible to maintain the previous fuel prices at least until the end of this month,” he said.At the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said fuel consumption had surged sharply, rapidly depleting reserves and necessitating new imports at higher prices.He revealed that daily diesel consumption normally stands at about 4,000 metric tonnes (MTs). However, between 1 March and Monday, diesel consumption reached 59,200 MTs, while petrol consumption rose to 47,500 MTs. Within the first nine days of March alone, consumption exceeded usual levels by approximately 23,000 MTs of diesel and 13,000 MTs of petrol.Dr. Jayatissa said global crude oil prices had risen by 37.76%, with refined products surging even more sharply. International Auto Diesel prices had increased by nearly 99.9%, Super Diesel by 99.6%, Octane 92 Petrol by about 75%, and Octane 95 Petrol by around 79%.He warned that failure to align domestic prices with global market conditions could result in private importers reducing or halting supplies, thereby disrupting national fuel distribution.Responding to queries about private suppliers selling previously purchased stocks at higher revised prices, he said the Government was reluctant to take punitive action as this could prompt suppliers to restrict market releases, affecting industries and the broader economy.Although the required adjustment could have been higher, the Government opted for a smaller increase to limit the impact on the economy, he said, adding that the price revision is also expected to encourage moderation in fuel consumption.He further assured that if global prices rise further, the Government is prepared to bear part of the cost and provide fuel at concessionary rates to the public.Meanwhile, the PUCSL’s public consultation on the proposed 13.56% electricity tariff increase, which commenced on 25 February, will continue until 18 March. The Commission is expected to announce its decision later this month after considering public submissions and data provided by the CEB.With fuel costs rising and electricity tariffs under review, consumers now face mounting pressure as authorities and critics trade blame over the timing and intent of the latest price hike.

Fuel hike row deepens: ECA alleges pricing formula breach

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairperson, D.J. Rajakaruna, yesterday (10) urged the public to limit non-essential travel and use fuel sparingly amid the escalating energy crisis triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.“This is not a normal situation; it is a very grave condition,” he warned.Speaking to the media, Rajakaruna called on citizens to act collectively by reducing unnecessary travel, purchasing fuel strictly for essential purposes, and maintaining the lowest possible level of consumption until the global situation stabilises.He noted that the prevailing circumstances are abnormal, with global conflicts disrupting established pricing patterns in the international energy market.Emphasising that the crisis is global in nature, Rajakaruna cautioned that failure to manage consumption responsibly at this stage could pose serious risks in the near future.

 CPC urges to limit non-essential travel

<ul><li>Breakdown repairs and maintenance halted</li></ul> A coalition of nearly 25 electricity trade unions yesterday (10) announced that their strike action will continue, following the breakdown of talks with the management of the newly established entities that replaced the former Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).Union representatives said discussions held with the management of the restructured electricity sector institutions had failed to produce a satisfactory outcome, prompting workers to press ahead with trade union action.The 24-hour strike, which began earlier this week, saw employees withdrawing from all services except essential operations.General Secretary of the CEB’s Sri Lanka Nidahas Sewaka Samgamaya, Prabath Priyantha, said the action was taken in protest against what unions describe as the Government’s failure to respond positively to several long-standing demands by electricity sector employees.He stated that workers would not report for regular duties until further discussions are held after a thorough review of the existing collective agreement.While assuring that power plants and other critical operations would continue in order to prevent a total system collapse, Priyantha noted that breakdown repairs and routine maintenance activities have been suspended as part of the trade union action.Amid the ongoing strike, several areas across the country experienced intermittent power interruptions yesterday, with consumers reporting delays in the restoration of supply following technical faults. However, officials maintained that electricity generation remained stable.The trade unions have warned that unless their concerns are addressed promptly, further action could follow, raising concerns over the stability of electricity services during the ongoing restructuring of the power sector.

Power union strike continues 

The Government has sufficient fuel stocks to last for approximately one month, the Energy Ministry said, amid growing concerns over possible supply disruptions linked to escalating geopolitical tensions.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (10), Deputy Energy Minister Arkam Ilyas said that while current reserves remain adequate, discussions are underway at multiple levels to address potential crises if the global fuel market deteriorates further.“We have enough fuel for another month and after that we don’t have any buffer stocks. We are having constant discussions to grapple with this situation,” he said.His remarks come against the backdrop of mounting uncertainty in the global energy market due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have already triggered volatility in international oil prices.The Deputy Minister also rejected allegations by trade unions that the country lacks sufficient storage capacity to maintain a 30-day fuel reserve.Convenor of the Petroleum Trade Unions Confederation, Ananda Palitha, has accused the Government of failing to maintain adequate storage facilities despite claims to the contrary. However, Ilyas dismissed these assertions, maintaining that the necessary capacity exists to hold the current stocks.The Ministry’s statement comes as several regional countries begin implementing precautionary measures in anticipation of a possible energy crisis.

 Talks ongoing on energy security: Dep Minister 

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said the Government has submitted a new Investment Protection Bill to the relevant authorities.He made the remarks during an interview with Observer Research Foundation Chairperson Sunjoy Joshi on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in India. Addressing efforts to create a more investor-friendly climate, Herath highlighted the Government’s zero tolerance policy on bribery and corruption, the introduction of a single window system, and plans for a simple and transparent tariff regime. He also underscored Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself as an international trading hub. “Our location is very important. We are situated close to the main East–West shipping lane. As a logistics hub, many international operators seek port facilities, and we have such ports in Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee,” he said. Responding to a question on potential security threats, he acknowledged existing challenges amid the global geopolitical climate. “Yes, there is a security threat. In terms of maritime activities, we face certain risks due to the current global situation. These challenges must be addressed collectively, not by one country alone. That is why we are engaging with regional organisations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association and BIMSTEC,” he added.

Investment Protection Bill in the offing

Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Prasad Ranasinghe, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of obstructing an investigation, was yesterday (10) granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.Ranasinghe was taken into custody by CIABOC officers and produced in court.After considering submissions made by Bribery Commission officers and counsel appearing for the suspect, the Magistrate ordered that he be released on two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each.The court also imposed an overseas travel ban on Ranasinghe and directed him to surrender his passport.The arrest is linked to an ongoing probe into the alleged theft of a historically significant archaeological artefact known as the ‘Sandagala’. The artefact, weighing over 1,000 kilogrammes and bearing carvings said to be more than 300 years old, had been located near the entrance steps of the palace of King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe at the Udamaluwa Archaeological Site in Kundasale.CIABOC alleges that Ranasinghe influenced and obstructed the investigation into the looting of the artefact while serving as DIG of the CID.Investigations are continuing.

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG granted bail 

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a special Committee on Economic Surveillance to assess and respond to the potential economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.The proposal to establish the Committee was presented by the President and received Cabinet approval this week, according to the Department of Government Information.The Committee will be chaired by Deputy Finance and Planning Minister and Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando. It will comprise heads of relevant State institutions along with sectoral experts.Authorities noted that the escalating conflict in the Middle East has contributed to growing global economic instability, raising concerns over possible repercussions for Sri Lanka.As a small, open economy, Sri Lanka remains heavily dependent on external factors, particularly energy imports, remittances from Sri Lankan migrant workers employed in Middle Eastern countries, and trade and investment ties with the region. Given this exposure, the Government has identified the country as being vulnerable to external economic shocks stemming from the crisis.The newly established Committee has been tasked with continuously monitoring global and regional developments and evaluating their potential impact on Sri Lanka across multiple sectors. It will assess risks related to fuel supplies, foreign exchange inflows, labour markets, trade, and broader macroeconomic stability.Based on its assessments, the Committee will submit policy recommendations and propose necessary response measures to the Cabinet with a view to mitigating possible economic disruptions.The move comes amid heightened concerns over rising global energy prices and potential disruptions to remittance flows and supply chains, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

Govt sets up economic surveillance committee 

The Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste organisation yesterday (10) called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to remove Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody from office following corruption indictments filed against him.The group handed over a letter to the Presidential Secretariat demanding immediate action. Its President, Kamantha Thushara, told The Daily Morning that the ruling National People’s Power Government came to power pledging to eradicate corruption and questioned why no step had yet been taken against the Minister.“When Ministers in earlier Governments were accused of corruption, the JVP and the NPP said those Governments were protecting the accused. The question now is whether the present administration is doing the same,” he said.The demand follows the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filing indictments in the Colombo High Court against Jayakody over an alleged act of corruption during his tenure as Deputy Procurement Manager at the State-owned Lanka Fertiliser Company Limited in 2016.Investigators allege that he facilitated an unlawful benefit to a private company in relation to a carpet supply contract for warehouse premises, causing a financial loss to the Government exceeding Rs. 8.8 million. The case has been filed under Section 70(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act.Meanwhile, NPP General Secretary and Government MP Nihal Abeysinghe recently stated that the Party would await the conclusion of the legal process before deciding on any political action, maintaining that the matter should be handled by CIABOC.The controversy has also taken a political turn, with the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, preparing to move a no-confidence motion against Jayakody during the next Parliamentary week, according to MP Ajith P. Perera.In addition, Jayakody is facing separate allegations of corruption and irregularities linked to a multi-billion-Rupee coal procurement tender for the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai in 2026.

Fuel Hike Hits Hard

Fuel hike row deepens: ECA alleges pricing formula breach

Fuel hike row deepens: ECA all ...

CPC urges to limit non-essential travel

CPC urges to limit non-essent ...

Power union strike continues

Power union strike continues

Talks ongoing on energy security: Dep Minister

Talks ongoing on energy secur ...

Investment Protection Bill in the offing

Investment Protection Bill in ...

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG granted bail

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG gr ...

Govt sets up economic surveillance committee

Govt sets up economic surveill ...

Pressure mounts on Energy Minister

Pressure mounts on Energy Mini ...

Fuel hike row deepens: ECA alleges pricing formula breach

Fuel hike row deepens: ECA all ...

CPC urges to limit non-essential travel

CPC urges to limit non-essent ...

Power union strike continues

Power union strike continues

Talks ongoing on energy security: Dep Minister

Talks ongoing on energy secur ...

Investment Protection Bill in the offing

Investment Protection Bill in ...

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG granted bail

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG gr ...

Govt sets up economic surveillance committee

Govt sets up economic surveill ...

Pressure mounts on Energy Minister

Pressure mounts on Energy Mini ...

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Fuel hike row deepens: ECA alleges pricing formula breach

Fuel hike row deepens: ECA all ...

CPC urges to limit non-essential travel

CPC urges to limit non-essent ...

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Power union strike continues

Power union strike continues

Talks ongoing on energy security: Dep Minister

Talks ongoing on energy secur ...

Investment Protection Bill in the offing

Investment Protection Bill in ...

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG granted bail

Sandagala probe: Ex-CID DIG gr ...