Fuel subsidy is only for kerosene: Finance Ministry

The Ministry of Finance yesterday said that the fuel subsidy was only for kerosene given to low-income families and fishermen and there would be no subsidy for petrol or diesel.

Accordingly, 47,555 families receiving Samurdhi assistance and 24,282 owners of one-day fishing boats with fixed engines will receive kerosene subsidies. Accordingly, a subsidy of Rs. 57 per litres of kerosene oil will be provided to the Samurdhi beneficiaries with their Samurdhi funds and the fishermen’s subsidy will be granted in accordance with an agreement of the fisher folk, the Finance Ministry said.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and Rural Economic Affairs Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said the fuel subsidy for fishermen would come into effect from 18 May.

According to the Minister, the Government will spend Rs. 5 billion to grant the fuel subsidy to fishermen.