Private companies cannot conspire on fuel prices - Minister announces

Although private fuel suppliers have the ability to determine prices based on their costs, Minister of Energy Anura Karunatilake warns that limiting supplies with the aim of artificially or arbitrarily raising prices by pressuring the government will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasizes that if distribution is limited to pressure authorities and force excessive price increases, legal action will be taken against it.

The Minister pointed out that some private fuel stations have already started limiting distributions, stating that consumers are facing severe difficulties as a result. He further stated that the government will not allow arbitrary price increases or forced excessive price hikes by disrupting supply in the face of such pressures.

The Minister stated that while providing necessary support to investors is one of the government's objectives, protecting consumers and maintaining an uninterrupted fuel supply within the country is the government's foremost responsibility.

Minister Anura Karunatilake clarified that the government will not succumb to unfair pressures from multinational companies or fuel distributors, and strongly emphasized that if such supply restrictions continue, the necessary legal steps will be taken without hesitation.