SJB calls on Govt. to revoke fuel price hike

• Says decision to increase prices shows Govt.’s insensitivity to plight of people 
• Urges Govt. to explain decision given since no price fluctuation has taken place in world market 
• Accuses Govt. of attempting to manage expenditure at people’s cost 

 Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara issued a statement yesterday slamming the Government for the recent substantial fuel price hike. He said this action demonstrates the government’s indifference towards the people and their suffering. “We unequivocally condemn this fuel price increase,” he said. The MP said that a sudden price hike when there has been no fluctuation in global fuel prices is a matter of significant concern. 

“Just a few days ago, the Power and Energy Minister affirmed that the state-owned Ceypetco possesses an ample supply of fuel stocks. Given that these fuels were procured from the global market without any increase or revision in price, the Government should promptly provide an explanation to the public regarding the rationale behind the sudden fuel price increase,” he urged. 

“Madduma Bandara expressed his concern over the fact that the fuel price increase amounted to a double-digit rise, as opposed to a single-digit increase, especially when Ceypetco has reported a profit of Rs. 12 billion since January this year.

The MP alleged the price increase is a clear indication of the Government attempting to merely manage its expenditures at the cost of the people. 

“The Government persists in its efforts to raise taxes, restructure EPF/ETF, and implement other arbitrary processes that have an impact on the populace,” he said. 

He also called upon the Government to provide an explanation for the price hike, especially in light of the new market entrant, Sinopec, announcing a fuel offering at Rs. 3 less. Additionally, he urged the Government to retract the recently announced fuel price increase.