• Says fuel prices would be reduced post-ME war  

The Government has assured that fuel and electricity supplies will continue without interruption despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while warning of a possible marginal increase in fuel prices due to global market fluctuations.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking to the media in Kalutara, said that although international price volatility may lead to a slight increase in domestic fuel prices, the full cost will not be passed on to consumers. He noted that the Treasury is expected to absorb a significant portion of any increase.

He further stressed  the Government intends to reduce the currently elevated fuel prices as soon as the prevailing wartime situation stabilises.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) announced the first crude oil tanker to arrive since the onset of the Middle East conflict is scheduled to reach the island today (17).

CPSTL Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said the vessel is carrying 97,500 metric tonnes of crude oil. He added that a second tanker is expected to arrive by the end of April.

“The first crude oil ship following the war situation is arriving in Sri Lanka with 97,500 MT. Another ship is scheduled to arrive at the end of this month. Additionally, the WTI vessel from the US was being loaded and was expected to begin its voyage toward Sri Lanka yesterday (16),” he said.

He noted the earlier challenge of securing a steady crude oil supply, which had been a major concern for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, has now been resolved.