Former Member of Parliament (MP) Patali Champika Ranawaka has accused the government of misleading the public over fuel pricing, rejecting claims that fuel prices cannot be reduced because existing stocks were purchased at higher prices.
Addressing the media, Patali questioned the government’s explanation, noting that fuel prices were increased shortly after tensions in the Middle East escalated despite fuel stocks having been purchased earlier at lower prices.
“Fuel stocks purchased in February were bought at the old prices. Yet fuel prices were increased immediately after the conflict began. The increase was applied to fuel that had already been purchased at lower rates,” he said.
He alleged that the government had earned more than Rs. 600 crore through the price increase and argued that the same logic was not being applied now that global oil prices have fallen.
He further claimed that international oil prices had returned to pre-conflict levels and that fuel could currently be imported at significantly lower rates.
“I can responsibly tell the public that petrol can now be imported at around Rs. 225 per litre and diesel at around Rs. 240 per litre,” he said.
Patali also called on the government, the Central Bank and relevant authorities to disclose details of the fuel pricing formula, including import costs, selling prices and taxes, similar to practices followed in 2023 and 2024.
He further alleged irregularities in fuel procurement, claiming that diesel purchases from companies including Trafigura and Aditya Birla had resulted in excessive costs. He said complaints had already been lodged regarding the matter and called for a full investigation.
“These costs are now being passed on to the public. In addition to the coal procurement controversy, there has also been a diesel procurement fraud,” he alleged. (Newswire)