Coal import losses one factor behind electricity tariff hike: IMF mission chief

Recent losses incurred by the electricity board from coal imports were one contributing factor to the increase in Sri Lanka’s electricity tariffs, Evan Papageorgiou, mission chief of the International Monetary Fund, said at a conference held at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today.

Papageorgiou stressed that tariff adjustments in the electricity sector were necessary to ensure the financial viability of the board.

“An increase of this nature in electricity tariffs was also recommended by us,” he said.

Responding to a query on whether recent losses from coal shipments contributed to the financial strain of the Ceylon Electricity Board, he acknowledged that they had.

“It is true that these imports had some negative impact on the profits of the electricity board, and were therefore one contributing factor to the increase in electricity tariffs,” he said.

However, he declined to elaborate further, noting that improved coordination among relevant stakeholders would be essential to avoid similar issues in the future.

Papageorgiou also acknowledged the potential economic impact of higher tariffs, particularly on vulnerable consumers.

“We understand that these tariff increases could have a significant impact, especially on those consuming less than 90 units per month. We have therefore requested the government to consider providing relief for this segment,” he said.