"Till next February, fuel charges will keep increasing ... I also don't understand the price formula!" -- Finance Minister

"Till next February, fuel charges will keep increasing ... I also don't understand the price formula!" -- Finance Minister

Increase in fuel charges which has been destabilized according to the price formula has become a factor which directly influenced the Sri Lankan market by now. As a result of amendments from time to time, prices transport of food items too changing likewise, being essential items has resulted in a risk posed to the average man. While those who alternate the price formula are unaware that the public keep their fingers crossed at what moment this or that item will increase and are rendered centless, it was revealed yesterday that even the Finance Minister is clueless about the price formula.

What Finance Minister said was that all price formula changes taking place are prepared by a team of officers of the Finance Ministry and notified, Finance Minister Mangala said. What he said was that as reported to him, according to the formula concerned there would be a hike in fuel charges right along and that a drop is expected towards February, 2019.

This is what he said by participating at a media briefing last morning (9): "It's primary foundation is the Singapore plastic price and the value of the dollar. It is prepared by taking into account both those. There is no reason for the public to panic. We of course need not understand everything that is done, no. Even though we are not doctors, sometimes we understand that when the specialist gives a formula that it is the truth. When world oil prices go up, this goes up. When the rupee becomes strong, again the price goes down".

At this point a journalist questioned, "why can't this be revealed to the masses?" The minister then replied "If I tell that price formula, your heads will get more confused ... because I myself can't understand that price formula".