“Sri Lanka fuel price hike in a month among the world’s highest”

Sri Lanka’s latest fuel price revision, which saw prices rise by around 25% on average, ranks among the highest increases compared to many Asian and global peers, reflecting the sharp impact of global oil market pressures.

The revision, announced on Sunday, pushed up key fuel categories significantly. Auto diesel rose 26.1% from Rs. 303 to Rs. 382 per litre, while super diesel increased 25.5% from Rs. 353 to Rs. 443. Petrol 92 octane went up 25.6% from Rs. 317 to Rs. 398, and petrol 95 octane rose 24.7% from Rs. 365 to Rs. 455 per litre. Kerosene recorded the highest increase of 30.8%, rising from Rs. 195 to Rs. 255 per litre.

“Among Asian countries, only a few recorded higher increases than Sri Lanka. Myanmar saw petrol prices rise by approximately 30%, while Bhutan reported sharp hikes, with diesel increasing by 54% and petrol by 34%,” Economic analysts said.

However, several countries reported more moderate adjustments. Vietnam recorded a 20% increase in petrol and 34% in diesel, while Malaysia saw petrol prices rise between 18%–22% and diesel between 20%–26%. In the Maldives, petrol increased by 18.6% and diesel by 26%, while Pakistan and Singapore both recorded around 20% increases for fuel.

“Other countries experienced comparatively smaller increases. Japan reported petrol price increases of around 18%, while South Korea saw petrol rise by over 12% and diesel by more than 20%. In Nepal, petrol prices rose 8.3% and diesel 6.1%, while Thailand recorded marginal increases of 1% to 2%. Afghanistan saw fuel prices rise by about 5%.”

Outside Asia, countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and South Africa reported petrol price increases in the range of 7% to 8%, while diesel rose between 13%–20%.

Notably, China and India have largely held retail fuel prices steady in recent weeks, with India limiting increases to premium fuel categories while keeping regular petrol and diesel prices unchanged.

“The comparison highlights that Sri Lanka’s latest fuel price hike is among the steepest in the region, adding pressure on consumers and businesses already grappling with rising living and operating costs.”