Patali accuses government of misleading public over fuel prices

The government is misleading the public over fuel pricing by claiming that fuel prices cannot be reduced because existing stocks were purchased at higher rates, former Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka accused.

Speaking to the media, Patali Champika Ranawaka questioned the explanation from authorities, pointing out that fuel prices went up shortly after Middle East tensions escalated despite those stocks being bought earlier at lower prices. The price hike applied to fuel already purchased at lower rates, even though stocks bought in February came at old prices.

The government earned more than 6 billion rupees through that price increase, but the same logic is missing now that global oil prices fell, Patali Champika Ranawaka alleged. International oil prices returned to pre-conflict levels, meaning fuel imports can currently happen at significantly lower rates. Petrol can now be imported at around 225 rupees per litre and diesel at around 240 rupees per litre.

The government, the Central Bank, and relevant authorities must disclose details of the fuel pricing formula, including import costs, selling prices, and taxes, similar to practices followed in 2023 and 2024, Patali Champika Ranawaka demanded. Furthermore, irregularities took place in fuel procurement, where diesel purchases from companies including Trafigura and Aditya Birla resulted in excessive costs. Complaints regarding the matter were already lodged, and a full investigation is required. These costs are now passed on to the public, and a diesel procurement fraud took place in addition to the coal procurement controversy.