Fuel price increases have already begun to hurt industries across the country, the Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) claimed, urging the Ministry of Energy to urgently review the decision and provide relief to the manufacturing sector.
Speaking ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said the recent increase in the prices of diesel, super diesel and kerosene used in factories has directly affected multiple industries. He said these fuels are essential components of factory operations and are particularly necessary for operating generators during electricity breakdowns.
"This decision is already contributing to increases in the prices of essential goods, the closure of small and medium-scale industries, a decline in employment opportunities, and reduced competitiveness in the export sector. For instance, rural industries and self-employed individuals who depend heavily on kerosene are among the worst affected," he said.
He added that with both production and transportation costs rising alongside the recent increase in electricity tariffs for the industrial sector, inflation is accelerating and the burden ultimately falls on the public. "Increasing both fuel prices and electricity tariffs amounts to punishing those who voted for the Government. The Government should reconsider this decision and introduce a practical solution to protect industries," said Dhammika.
Speaking further, he said industrial fuels that were previously refined locally are now being imported from foreign markets, particularly from Europe. "This situation is a serious failure in fuel management and energy policies. If this continues, existing refining facilities in the country could become completely inoperative."
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announced a revision of fuel prices effective from midnight on 21 March, marking the latest in a series of increases in recent weeks. Under the revision, the price of 92 Octane petrol increased by Rs. 75 to Rs. 375 per litre, while 95 Octane petrol rose by Rs. 95 to Rs. 450 per litre. Auto diesel increased by Rs. 75 to Rs. 350 per litre, and Super Diesel rose by Rs. 80 to Rs. 420 per litre.