A special discussion was recently convened to address a series of issues linked to cooperative fuel stations, under the leadership of Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Energy and chairmen of cooperative societies joined the talks, which focused on key matters including discounts offered to cooperative fuel stations, issuing fuel on credit, land ownership disputes, and construction or renovation of stations.

The meeting also saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Janaka Rajakaruna, Managing Director Mayura Neththikumara, as well as senior ministry officials, cooperative society chairmen, and general managers. (Newswire)

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A fuel station in Beruwala was raided last night (14 Jan) by officers of the Kalutara District Consumer Affairs Authority and found to have concealed nearly 6,400 litres of 92 Octane petrol, despite claiming it was unavailable to customers.

The raid was carried out following information received by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) that certain fuel stations across the island were inconveniencing vehicle owners during nighttime hours by falsely claiming that 92 Octane petrol was out of stock, while instead selling higher-priced Euro 3 petrol.

During the inspection, it was revealed that officials of the relevant fuel distribution company had instructed the station to sell Euro 3 petrol at night, claiming 92 Octane petrol was unavailable.

The station management disclosed these facts during the raid. The seized fuel stock has been taken into official custody and sealed, while further investigations are underway. 

Legal action is scheduled to be filed against the suspects before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. (Newswire)

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A fuel station employee has acted swiftly to prevent a fire accident at a fuel station.

Video footage shows the fuel station employee filling the fuel tank of a motorcycle, during which a fire had erupted. 

The motorcyclist, a female pillion rider, and the fuel station employee are seen running away from the motorcycle as soon as the fire erupts from the motorcycle. 

Soon after, the fuel station employee returns with a fire extinguisher and manages to douse the fire, preventing a large-scale disaster. (Newswire)

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The Government has launched a national-level initiative to install modern sanitation facilities at fuel stations across the country under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. 

An MoU was signed between the Presidential Task Force on Clean Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Energy and the island’s four major fuel providers: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC), Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and RM Parks (Pvt) Ltd.

Under the three-year programme, 540 modern public sanitation facilities will be established at selected fuel stations islandwide. 

By the end of 2025, at least 100 of these facilities are expected to be operational, providing clean and user-friendly amenities to travellers across the country.

The official launch of the initiative was held at the Presidential Secretariat today, with the participation of top government officials and key industry stakeholders, in a landmark move to promote public hygiene and accessibility.

The initiative aims to transform fuel stations into clean, safe and inclusive spaces by providing essential sanitation infrastructure accessible to all segments of the public, particularly women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

The timeline for the rollout of modern public sanitation facilities at fuel stations is as follows:

Speaking at the launch, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated, “This is not just a policy commitment but a promise to build a healthier, cleaner and more dignified Sri Lanka. The Clean Sri Lanka initiative seeks to deliver long-term public services that meet modern hygiene standards.”

He also highlighted that this partnership between the public and private sectors sets an example for delivering effective and sustainable services. Plans are in place to encourage further participation from large-scale private sector entities, such as retail chains, to extend the reach and impact of the programme.

The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala; Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Mr Russell Aponsu; senior executives from the four fuel providers; and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force. (Newswire)

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Video footage has emerged of some youths on motorcycles throwing a firecracker inside a fuel station and fleeing.  

No persons were injured in the incident, which was captured on the CCTV cameras installed at the fuel station.

The location of the fuel station is unknown. (Newswire)

Video footage has emerged of some youths on motorcycles throwing a firecracker at a fuel station and fleeing. pic.twitter.com/Cn1UqYstHg

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) April 16, 2025

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Four persons were reported dead and another four were injured in an explosion reported at a fuel station in Wehera, Kurunegala, last night. 

According to the Police, the fuel tank of a lorry had exploded while refilling fuel at the said fuel station, igniting a fire.

The fire had been doused by officials from the Kurunegala Police with the assistance of the Kurunegala Municipal Council fire brigade. 

The injured persons have been admitted to the Kurunegala Hospital. The identities of the deceased persons are yet to be ascertained. 

The Kurunegala Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Opposition MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Harshana Rajakaruna, and Kins Nelson have raised concerns over the government’s mentioning of their names in connection to a list of people who had obtained fuel sheds through political links.

Addressing the Parliament today, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka said that the fuel station mentioned had been obtained by his grandfather, even before he was born.

“The only fuel station in my family was started in 1955 by my grandfather. That fuel station has remained with my family over the last 70+ years. It is not illegal. As such, I do not understand why my name has been mentioned. He urged the government to investigate the history of his family’s fuel shed and consider whether it was just to include his name in the list,” he said.

Also commenting on the matter, Opposition MP Harshana Rajakaruna said his name has also been included in the list of persons who had obtained fuel stations using political influence. 

Refuting the claims, MP Rajakaruna said they were false and that he does not own a fuel station at present.

“My grandfather had owned a fuel station. This was even before I was born. However, we do not own a fuel station now. Our relatives have the right to do whatever business they want. Stop using our names and claiming political influence,” he said. 

Also speaking on the matter, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Kins Nelson, from the Polonnaruwa District, clarified that he does not own any fuel station.

Along with the other SJB MPs, he called on the Speaker to correct the false information regarding them. 

The three SJB Parliamentarians’ comments come after Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra disclosed in Parliament yesterday that several Opposition politicians have associated with a major distributor in the country causing the fuel distribution crisis. 

“We also found out that former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, the personal security officer of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the sister of former Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and friends of SJB MPs Harshana Rajakaruna, Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Gayantha Karunathileka have been associated with the fuel distributor,” the Deputy Minister informed Parliament.

Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra further alleged that the opposition was behind the fuel distribution crisis in the country. (Newswire)

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The first Shell-branded fuel station has been declared open in Sri Lanka at B.S. Cooray Filling Station in Ambathale in the Colombo District. 

This follows the signing of a retail brand license agreement by Shell Brands International AG (Shell) and RM Parks (Private) Limited, and affiliates of Shell and RM Parks (Private) Limited signing a product supply agreement in March 2024. 

RM Parks (Private) Limited is a partnership of the Tristar Group (Tristar), a fully integrated energy logistics business serving the downstream oil and gas industry, and RM Parks Inc., an experienced distributor of Shell fuels in the North American fuel retailing market. 

RM Parks (Private) Limited will rebrand a network of 150 retail fuel stations across Sri Lanka to Shell, which it was awarded a contract to operate for an initial period of 20 years by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in 2023. 

“This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, bringing together RM Parks’ extensive experience in fuel distribution and Tristar’s strong logistics and supply chain capabilities. The collaboration aims to enhance the country’s fuel retail landscape by introducing global best practices, superior service standards, and innovative energy solutions to benefit Sri Lankan consumers,” said Group CEO of Tristar, Eugene Mayne commenting on the first Shell-branded fuel station in Sri Lanka.  

Jason Callison, President of RM Parks Inc. commented: “Today is a wonderful step forward as we open our first Shell-branded location. For over a century, Shell has been a name synonymous with excellence, trust and innovation in the global energy sector. Shell is not only known for its quality fuel and lubricants but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, technology and community development. RM Parks Inc., a third generation Petroleum Marketer in the United States and Mexico and Tristar Group, one of the leading Energy Logistics companies in the world, are excited to bring this legacy back to Sri Lanka and partner in the country’s future growth and development. We are thankful to the Sri Lankan people for giving us this opportunity and we look forward to being the very best stewards for the country.” 

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, who attended the opening as a Chief Guest, stated: “The launch of Shell-branded fuel stations in Sri Lanka is a milestone, providing reliable fuel distribution options to a country that has experienced shortages. With California-based RM Parks Inc. at the helm of distribution, known for its leadership in the industry and commitment to quality service, this partnership is a great example of American businesses solving global energy challenges. This initiative will create jobs, stabilize fuel availability, and support Sri Lanka’s economic growth and stability.” 

Flavia Ribeiro Pessanha, GM Licensed Markets, Shell Mobility added: “This is the first of many stations that will open in the coming months and years, and we can’t wait to see the Shell brand in Sri Lankan cities and on major roads throughout the country. Every day, around 33 million drivers around the world visit a Shell service station for an evolving range of quality fuels, a welcoming and comfortable break on the journey and a retail experience that offers customers convenience, quality and choice.” 

About RM Parks (Private) Limited: RM Parks (Private) Limited is a partnership of the Tristar Group, a fully integrated Energy Logistics business serving the downstream oil and gas industry, and RM Parks Inc, an experienced distributor of Shell fuels in the in North American fuel retailing market. RM Parks (Private) Limited is a Shell licensee and uses Shell trademarks under licence. The views expressed in this release or statement are made by RM Parks (Private) Limited, and are not made on behalf of, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of, any company of the Shell Group of Companies. 

About Shell Mobility: Shell is the world’s largest mobility retailer, by number of stations, and is one of the largest single-branded retailers of any kind on the planet. It currently has a presence in over 80 markets with around 47,000 mobility locations serving around 33 million customers every day. Shell has more than a century of experience in fuels innovation. With Shell Recharge present in around 30 markets, Shell is also a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging in terms of market reach. Shell currently has more than 70,000 public EV charge points globally at service stations, mobility hubs, on-street and at destinations like supermarkets and expects to have around 200,000 by 2030. (Newswire)

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Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has held a discussion with the first two groups of owners and management of fuel stations that will be made available to new suppliers.

Taking to Twitter, Minister Wijesekera stated that the discussion was held this morning.

The minister further stated that 450 fuel stations have been categorized into 3 separate groups of 150 that will be made available to the new foreign fuel service operators. 

“The fuel station owners and management were briefed in this regard and discussions were held about their dealership allocation to new suppliers, the categorizing mechanism used, new agreements, pricing formulas, benefits of new suppliers, dealer margins, and Government policy and regulations,” he added.

The discussions are being held after the government announced in April that China’s Sinopec, United Petroleum of Australia, and RM Parks of USA are slated to enter Sri Lanka’s fuel retail market under a collaboration with Shell PLC.

It was reported at the time that they will be given licences with a validity of 20 years to import, store and distribute fuel in Sri Lanka, while they will also be provided 150 CPC fuel stations under the scheme. (NewsWire)

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A decision has been taken to suspend the licences of 40 fuel stations that have continuously not adhered to the National Fuel Pass QR quotas, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said on Thursday (06). 

Minister Wijesekera said the decision was taken during a progress review meeting held with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) management and officers this morning. 

He further stated that it was also decided that all fuel stations will be required to maintain a minimum of 50% of stock tank capacity. 

The minister added that GPS tracking systems will be fixed to all CPC-owned fuel tankers by 15th April and will be thereafter implemented for all private tankers as well. (NewsWire)

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The Thalangama Police have arrested two individuals involved in the robbery of smartphones used at fuel stations to scan QR codes. 

The Police stated that the suspects are aged 24 and 25 years old and are residents of Homagama and Pannipitiya.

The suspects had been arrested following a complaint filed by a fuel station in Battaramulla from which they had stolen a mobile phone used to scan fuel QR codes.

The suspects are reported to have used a motorcycle to carry out the robbery. They have carried out similar robberies in 08 areas, including Maharagama, Piliyandala, Kottawa, and Rajagiriya. 

The Police stated the suspects had robbed 12 mobile phones from 12 fuel stations in various areas. 

Investigations have revealed that the suspects are addicted to drugs and had used different motorcycles to carry out the robberies. 

CCTV footage of a fuel station has revealed the robbery carried out by the suspects. (NewsWire)

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