Cabinet approves fuel cost control measures

March 31, 2026 at 3:34 PM

The government has announced new measures to control rising fuel costs by providing relief to the public. 

According to the government, beginning March 22, 2026, if the import price of Octane 92 petrol or Auto Diesel exceeds the declared selling price, fuel import suppliers will be required to pay Rs. 20 per litre for Octane 92 and Rs. 100 per litre for Auto Diesel.

The move is designed to stabilize prices of the fuels most widely used by the public and in public transport, ensuring affordability despite global market pressures.

The decision comes as Sri Lanka faces economic challenges linked to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, which has driven up external costs and disrupted supply chains.

The proposal was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, and was approved by the Cabinet. (Newswire)