The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced today that fuel prices will remain unchanged in August under the monthly price revision scheme. 

Accordingly, prevailing prices will continue without adjustment.

CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna made the announcement during a special press briefing held this afternoon, confirming that no revisions will be applied for the month.

Last month, the CPC reduced the prices of Petrol Octane 92 and Auto Diesel with effect from midnight on June 29. 

The price of a litre of Petrol Octane 92 was reduced to Rs. 414, while Auto Diesel was cut to Rs. 382. 

Prices of all other fuel types remained unchanged at that time. 

Fuel prices for August will remain unchanged, following the June revision as detailed below. (Newswire)

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US President Donald Trump has told petrol retailers to bring their prices down immediately and warned of “big problems” ahead if they do not.

“Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday.

“There will be no gauging [sic], which is totally illegal,” Trump posted.

“If Retailers don’t do this, big problems lie ahead! Start targeting around the $2.50 a Gallon number,” he wrote.

“The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right — DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!”

Trump took particular aim at California, urging the state to also lower its taxes on petrol.

“Soon the Tax will be higher than the Product itself, and the United States will not stand for it, nor will the People of California, who are being abused by these ridiculous Taxes, and by their own Government,” Trump wrote.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been one of Trump’s fiercest critics in the president’s second term, including of his push to promote fossil fuels.

California is also doubling down on renewable energy and is hoping to have a carbon-neutral electrical grid within 20 years.

But with petrol prices surging since the US-Israel war on Iran, the Trump administration is pushing for more domestic fuel production and has invoked emergency powers to restart an oil pipeline in California that had been shut down because of a massive spill in 2015.

Separately, Trump said last week that he had ordered an investigation into major oil companies over high petrol prices.

“The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil,” he wrote in a Truth Social post on June 24. 

“Those prices are dropping like a rock! In other words, customers are being ‘gouged’. I have instructed the DOJ [Department of Justice] to immediately start looking into this,” he posted.

Trump’s demand for lower petrol prices in the US comes as he faces criticism for launching the war on Iran and for its impact on costs for millions of Americans, and as November’s mid-term elections draw closer.

The president has repeatedly said that fuel prices would “come down like a rock” after the conflict with Iran ends, but economists have disputed Trump’s assertions and predict longer-term economic repercussions due to the conflict. (Al Jazeera)

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The three‑month fuel concession plan introduced by the government will conclude at the end of June, with a fresh decision to be taken based on the prevailing situation at that time, Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando said.

Speaking during a televised interview, he explained that the plan was designed for three months, during which officials monitored global price hikes, their impact on local pricing, and the burden on the public. 

“These concessions will end at the end of three months. But, after three months, if we face an unexpected situation, we are prepared to face it and collect the necessary funds,” Fernando noted.

The Deputy Minister revealed that as of June 8, revenue collection had exceeded targets, reaching 120%.  “As such we have the opportunity to face and manage certain unexpected situations,” he added.

Fernando further said that while the current concession will lapse at the end of June, the government remains prepared to respond to unforeseen developments, with decisions on future relief to be taken in line with the circumstances at the time. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is set to receive two additional fuel shipments tomorrow (10) and the day after (11), according to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, CPC Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage said a ship transporting 7,000 metric tons of Octane 95 petrol and 29,000 metric tons of Octane 92 petrol is expected to dock tomorrow (10).

He further said that another vessel carrying 28,000 metric tons of diesel from Singapore is scheduled to arrive on Thursday (11). 

Meanwhile, a separate vessel carrying 32,000 metric tons of diesel and 7,200 metric tons of super diesel is currently unloading its cargo at the Colombo Port. (Newswire)

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Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is currently incurring a loss of Rs. 129 on every litre of auto diesel and Rs. 60 on every litre of Octane 92 petrol sold, CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said while explaining the latest fuel price increase.

According to Rajakaruna, the actual cost of supplying a litre of auto diesel is around Rs. 536, while it is sold at Rs. 407, resulting in a loss of Rs. 129 per litre. He said a litre of Octane 92 petrol costs approximately Rs. 494 to supply but is sold at Rs. 434, resulting in a loss of Rs. 60 per litre.

The CPC Chairman said the Government had been absorbing a significant portion of these losses in recent months in an effort to shield consumers from the impact of rising global oil prices.

He noted that the Government had allocated Rs. 57 billion to support fuel pricing, but the funds set aside for this purpose are expected to be exhausted by the end of June.

Rajakaruna said the increase in global oil prices and the rise in the country’s fuel import bill had contributed to the need for a fuel price revision. He warned that continuing to sell fuel at heavily subsidised rates would place further pressure on the economy and foreign exchange reserves.

He also urged the public to reduce fuel consumption where possible, stating that excessive fuel use could worsen pressure on the rupee and lead to broader economic consequences.

Rajakaruna further said CPC would strengthen monitoring of fuel distribution through the QR code system and take action against fuel station operators who fail to comply with the required procedures. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s fuel QR system will be enforced more rigorously in the coming months to curb rising consumption and ease pressure on the economy, Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilake announced today (01).

Addressing the media, the Minister said that while the QR and quota systems had already reduced fuel usage to some extent, demand still exceeds the country’s capacity. 

“With this global crisis dragging on continuously, we have a great need to reduce fuel consumption. Through the QR system and quota system, we were able to achieve a considerable reduction, but still this has not reached the level required by the country,” he said.

He noted that global fuel price hikes have forced Sri Lanka to spend significant amounts of foreign exchange, including USD 186 million in January, USD 97 million in February, and USD 524 million in May alone.

Karunathilake warned that continuing at this pace would be unsustainable, stressing the need to cut consumption to reduce the outflow of dollars and protect the wider economy. 

He added that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, together with the Ministry of Digital Technology, will take steps to tighten enforcement of the QR system.

“We believe that by strictly implementing the QR mechanism, fuel consumption can be reduced during this crisis period, thereby mitigating the impact on the national economy,” the Minister added. (Newswire)

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has cautioned that fuel prices are unlikely to decrease before September, despite recent declines in global market rates.

“In this month or next month, largely until September, a price reduction cannot be expected. Whether there is an increase, we cannot say at this moment. We are still studying that,” CPC Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage told reporters today (29).

He explained that international oil prices are announced later today, with CPC typically reviewing them on the 31st of each month. However, since May 31 falls on a Sunday, the corporation will consider today’s global price update before making any decisions.

“Several rounds of discussions need to be held. At this time, we cannot say. Perhaps it remains at this level, or there is a slight increase, which needs to be studied. However, clearly, there will not be a large increase. There is no need to create unnecessary fear regarding this,” he added.

Neththikumarage noted that while prices have eased from earlier highs, they remain well above pre‑war levels. 

A barrel of diesel, which cost USD 290 in April, now trades between USD 140 and USD 150, compared to USD 80–90 before the war. “Fuel prices have decreased, but not to the level before the war,” he said.

The CPC has already finalized fuel orders through August, ensuring adequate supplies until September. 

“If we receive the fuel we have ordered, then we will have sufficient fuel stocks until September of this year. All orders have been finalized for August, which will also arrive in September,” Neththikumarage confirmed. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka will continue to enforce the QR code system for fuel distribution as part of measures to manage consumption, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament today.

He noted that restrictions on fuel supplies were introduced in mid‑March 2026 in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict, and the QR system was implemented to regulate access. 

“It will continue further, with the aim of managing and reducing fuel consumption,” Fernando said.

The Deputy Minister made the remarks in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. (Newswire)

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The government is considering discontinuing the current odd-even fuel distribution system and increasing fuel quotas as part of ongoing adjustments to the national fuel management programme, officials said.

The announcement came during the sixth meeting of the committee on maintaining continuity in public service, held at the Prime Minister’s Office under the leadership of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Officials confirmed that Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks until August 2026 and that requests have already been made to secure supplies for the remainder of the year, underscoring the government’s commitment to long‑term energy security.

Addressing the meeting, PM Harini Amarasuriya stressed that the government’s management of the energy crisis has prevented hardships seen in other countries.

“We managed the crisis so that it did not become a burden on the people. In other countries, there are fuel queues and power cuts, but we handled it properly. The crisis is not over yet, so we must continue to act with vigilance,” she said.

The meeting further focused on sustainable energy management and future measures, including appointing Energy Managers in all state institutions, shifting towards renewable energy sources, and introducing the Green Building Concept under the national Clean Sri Lanka programme.

“Sustainable energy management and educating the public are essential. We must ensure electricity is provided properly during Vesak week,” PM Amarasuriya added.

The session was attended by senior officials, including the Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, the Presidential Chief of Staff B.K. Prabath Chandrakirthi, and secretaries from the ministries of public administration, health, transport, and energy. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s oil import bill has risen more than six times between February and May, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed, warning of mounting economic challenges. 

He noted that while the actual cost of a litre of diesel is around Rs. 720, it is being supplied to the public at Rs. 392, leaving the government and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to absorb heavy losses.

Speaking at the Nuwara Eliya District Special Coordinating Committee meeting, the President said oil imports cost USD 98 million in February, USD 216 million in March, USD 368 million in April, and are projected to reach USD 522 million in May.

“Compared with February, oil imports have increased more than six times,” he stressed.

He explained that although the government bears Rs. 100 per litre, the Petroleum Corporation receives only Rs. 492, far below the actual cost, resulting in significant losses. 

Past mismanagement, he said, has left the CPC with a deficit of Rs. 84 billion, now transferred to the Treasury.  

President Dissanayake further said that electricity tariffs have also been affected by rising oil prices. 

The President noted that while bills increased by 18%, more than 95% of consumers were shielded from the impact, with only about 5% experiencing higher costs. 

However, he cautioned that the Treasury cannot indefinitely subsidize the Petroleum Corporation and the Electricity Board. 

“They need to be made efficient, and other matters must be managed in ways that benefit the people,” he said.

The President stressed the need to reduce fuel consumption, pointing out that unchanged usage at higher prices would only accelerate dollar outflows. 

He said the government has already taken decisions aimed at curbing consumption and is working to provide solutions on fuel management swiftly. (Newswire)

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said that the QR code fuel quota system for petrol vehicles will be reinstated from midnight today (April 18) after a temporary suspension.

CPC Chairman D. J. Rajakaruna said the fuel quotas allocated for petrol vehicles will remain unchanged.

The system was suspended from midnight on April 11 due to the festive season.

From midnight April 18, fuel will again be issued to all vehicles only under the QR code quota system, in line with the odd-even number plate method. (Newswire)

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The Lanka Petroleum Storage Terminals Company has confirmed that the first crude oil vessel to arrive in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict is scheduled to dock tomorrow (17).

Managing Director Mayura Netthikumara said the vessel will deliver 97,500 metric tons of crude oil, marking a significant step in stabilizing the country’s energy supply. 

He added that another shipment is expected towards the end of the month, while a WTI vessel is expected to set sail from the USA within today. 

Netthikumara noted that these arrivals effectively resolve the crude oil supply challenges that had troubled the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in recent weeks.

On Wednesday (15), a separate fuel vessel carrying 36,000 metric tons reached the island, ensuring that fuel stocks will last until mid‑June, he further said.

He added that the upcoming shipments will strengthen reserves and provide greater stability in the domestic energy market. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says a crude oil shipment is expected in mid-April. 

Addressing the Parliament today, President Dissanayake said that Sri Lanka obtains its crude oil from the Fujairah Refinery in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

However, the ordered crude oil shipments had been delayed due to the conflict in the Middle East region, he said. 

The President revealed that one shipment from Fujairah and another crude shipment have been delayed.

He said, however, a third shipment is expected to arrive in mid-April, by 26 or 27 April. 

President Dissanayake further said that a shipment of Furnace oil is expected to arrive by 13 or 14 April. 

He also revealed that, amidst the Middle East crisis, a decision was taken to purchase refined oil from Singapore and India. 

The President also noted that India, China and Russia have agreed to supply fuel to Sri Lanka, with the necessary discussions currently underway. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government has introduced a new relief package, taking into consideration the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament today (07), President Dissanayake said attention was focused on three main aspects, which are fuel, energy, and gas.

Speaking on the fuel concession, the President said that the fuel cost will be calculated on 1 May or a closer date, and based on that actual cost, Rs. 100 per litre of diesel and Rs. 20 per litre of petrol will be provided as a subsidy. 

He added that the government will bear an expense of Rs. 20 billion per month for this purpose, with Rs. 60 billion allocated for the three-month plan.

Super diesel and super petrol will be provided based on the current market price, he said.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake went on to note that Rs. 100 billion has been allocated for the economic relief package.

Giving further details on the economic relief package, he said a subsidy of Rs. 50 per litre of fuel for three months will be granted for single-day fishing boats, capped at 25 litres per day for up to 25 days per month.

He further said that a lump sum allowance of Rs. 150,000 will be paid to multi-day fishing vessels.

Announcing details of concessions for fertilizer, the President said the Rs.25,000 fertiliser subsidy granted for paddy has been increased to Rs. 30,000.

He further said that the Rs. 15,000 subsidy for additional crops has been increased to Rs. 18,000. 

Announcing the special relief package related to the Aswesuma allowance, President Dissanayake said that the allowance will be increased for the month of April.

He revealed that the Rs. 17,500 allowance has been increased to Rs. 25,000, the Rs. 10,000 allowance to Rs. 15,000, and the Rs. 5,000 allowance to Rs. 7,500. 

Stating that the economic relief package has been prepared for the next three months, the President said the future course of action will have to be determined in line with global affairs. 

Watch the President’s speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWm2NgMzUp0 (Newswire)

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Police have arrested two suspects in separate raids for illegally storing fuel without the required licenses. 

Both operations were carried out yesterday (06) following information received by local Police units.

Officers from the Ududumbara Police Station conducted a raid in the Wetalawa Junction area of Ududumbara last afternoon, based on a tip‑off. 

They discovered 30 litres of petrol stored without a license and arrested a 47‑year‑old woman from the Medamahanuwara area. Further investigations are being conducted by the Ududumbara Police.

On the same day, in the Ihala Bomiriya area of the Nawagamuwa Police Division, officers from the Nawagamuwa Police Station conducted a raid after receiving information. 

They found 30 litres of petrol, 40 litres of kerosene, and 60 litres of diesel stored without a license.

A 56‑year‑old man from the Medamahanuwara area was taken into custody. The Nawagamuwa Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has granted approval to provide fuel subsidies aimed at easing the burden on Sri Lanka’s fishing community.

Under the new scheme, small fishing boats will receive a subsidy of Rs. 50 per litre, while multi‑day fishing vessels will be entitled to Rs. 150,000 per trip. 

The Ministry of Fisheries has announced that the program will take effect from April 20.

The decision follows a special discussion between Minister of Fisheries, Ramalingam Chandrasekar and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on the severe challenges faced by the fisheries sector. 

Rising global fuel prices and supply disruptions, triggered by ongoing instability in the Middle East, have placed significant pressure on local fishermen.

During the talks, particular attention was given to measures that would help restore the fishing industry swiftly and reduce the economic strain on fishing communities. 

The newly approved subsidy is expected to provide immediate relief and support the revival of the sector. (Newswire)

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The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to increase oil output quotas by 206,000 barrels per day for May, a rise that is largely symbolic as some of its key members are unable to raise production due to the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The war has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil route – since the end of ⁠February and cut exports from OPEC+ members Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Iraq.

In a statement on Sunday, eight members of OPEC+, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, agreed to increase May quotas during a virtual meeting.

“The countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their continuous efforts to support market stability,” the statement read.

“The eight countries also expressed concern regarding attacks on energy infrastructure, noting that restoring damaged energy assets to full capacity is both costly and takes a long time, thereby affecting overall supply availability,” it added.

While the quota increase represents less than two per cent of the supply disrupted by the closure of the strait, OPEC+ sources told the Reuters news agency that the pledge had signalled readiness to raise output once the waterway reopens.

Crude prices have surged to a four-year high amid the war, close to $120 a barrel, leading to higher prices for transport fuels.

On Thursday, JPMorgan said oil prices could spike above $150, an all-time high, if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted into mid-May.

May’s increase is the same as the eight members had agreed on for April at their last meeting on March 1. But amid the war, oil supply disruption on record is estimated to have removed as much as 12 to 15 million bpd or up to 15 percent of global supply.

With the strait still closed, Iran has allowed some countries in the region to use the waterway.

Iran has said Iraq was exempt from any transit restrictions through the strait, with shipping data on Sunday showing a tanker loaded with Iraqi crude passing through the waterway.

Oman’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that deputy foreign minister-level talks were being held with Iran to discuss ⁠⁠options to ensure the smooth transit of vessels through the Strait ‌‌of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate attacks and target Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Monday. (Al Jazeera)

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Two suspects have been arrested by the Colombo Division Crime Branch for illegally storing diesel without a license.

According to the Police, the arrests were made on Sunday (05), during a raid carried out in the D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha area under the Maradana Police Division. 

Acting on a tip‑off, officers seized 826 litres of diesel along with Rs. 72,210, suspected to have been earned through unauthorized fuel sales.

The suspects, aged 23 and 61, are residents of Wellawatta and Wariyapola.

The Colombo Division Crime Branch has launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Finance has announced that fuel allowances provided to ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, government officials, and other categories will now be calculated based on the fuel price prevailing on March 1, 2026.

In a statement, the Ministry said the decision was taken by the Cabinet as part of broader measures to manage state expenditure amidst the ongoing energy crisis and fiscal constraints. 

The directive also applies to other allowances linked to fuel quantities, which must be recalculated using the same benchmark price.

Officials emphasized that departments and institutions must act in line with existing circulars and guidelines, ensuring that fuel allocations and allowances are managed under the revised rules.

The Ministry noted that these adjustments are aimed at balancing financial limits while safeguarding essential public services during a period of economic pressure. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra has clarified reports regarding the recently approved fuel allowances for Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, and Senior Government Officials.

In a statement on social media, the Deputy Minister explained that fuel allowances are normally calculated based on market fuel prices as of the 1st of each month. 

However, the latest approval was to continue using the March 1, 2026, price as the benchmark and apply that same rate for April.

He noted that fuel prices were revised twice during March, and as a result, while the allowance amount remains unchanged, the quantity of fuel that can be purchased has decreased.

“In simple terms, this is not an increase, but a situation where the allowance is not adjusted to current prices, leading to a reduction in actual fuel entitlement,” Deputy Minister Hemachandra said.

His comments come following a recent Cabinet decision that fuel allowances provided to ministers, Members of Parliament, and public officials will be calculated based on the fuel prices that prevailed on March 1, 2026, until further notice. According to the government, other allowances linked to fuel costs will also be adjusted to the same benchmark.

The move is part of wider measures to manage state expenditure during the ongoing energy crisis, which has been intensified by the conflict in the Middle East. (Newswire)

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