The Samagi United Trade Union Force (SUTUF) affiliated to the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), alleged that instead of taking steps to pass on the benefit of fuel price fluctuations to the public, the Government is attempting to use fuel price revisions to cover its waste of public funds resulting in fuel prices either increasing or remaining stagnant despite the potential for reductions.
These claims were made by the group’s Convenor and Media Spokesperson Ananda Palitha, during a press briefing held yesterday (1) where he opined that the Government has failed to implement fuel price revisions in a manner that is beneficial to the public, and has instead imposed an undue burden on the people through fuel prices.
“The National People’s Power Government has taken steps to revise fuel prices according to its exploitative fuel formula. The Government is increasing fuel prices at a time when it is impossible to increase fuel prices. It was stated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s (CPC) Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumara. He has stated that he expects local (fuel) prices to remain stable as global (fuel) prices remain stable,” Palitha said, adding that the Government has however taken steps to increase fuel prices to exploit the public.
Quoting the Government as saying that the fuel stocks imported in May and June at lower prices are sufficient for two months, Palitha pointed out that the prices of 92 Octane and kerosene were nevertheless increased in July, by Rs. 12 and Rs. 7, respectively.
He further alleged that the Government is attempting to cover the losses caused by reduced petrol and diesel production at the refinery as well as the increased salaries and perks of senior CPC officials, by raising fuel prices.
The CPC announced that the new fuel prices will take effect from midnight on 31 August. According to the announcement, the price of Auto Diesel will be reduced by Rs. 6 to Rs. 283 per litre, while Super Diesel will be reduced by Rs. 12 to Rs. 313 per litre. Petrol 92 Octane will also see a reduction of Rs. 6, bringing the price to Rs. 299 per litre. Meanwhile, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Kerosene will remain unchanged.