Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday, 23 March 2026 03:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva
Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has raised concerns over the Government’s fuel pricing mechanism, alleging a lack of transparency in how retail prices are being determined.
In a statement, Dr. de Silva said his “back calculations” indicate that authorities may be using assumed global oil prices of $ 130 per barrel for Petrol 92 and $ 180 per barrel for auto diesel in setting prices at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) filling stations.
He also claimed that subsidies of around Rs. 20 for petrol and Rs. 100 for diesel are being factored into the final retail price.
However, Dr. de Silva questioned the basis of these assumptions, arguing that Sri Lanka has not incurred such costs and that they do not reflect the actual landed price of fuel.
“The landed cost is assumed and the subsidy is hypothetical,” he said.
He further criticised the Government for what he described as selective application of the fuel pricing formula, noting that the current administration had previously opposed the mechanism introduced under former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
Dr. de Silva called for greater transparency in the pricing structure, urging authorities to disclose the underlying costs and tax components.
He also said previous administrations had provided clearer explanations of pricing decisions and urged the Government to adopt a similar approach.
