⛽ SJB MP Accuses Govt. of Unjustified Fuel Price Hikes Citing Stock Claims

Allegations on Fuel Pricing: Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman accused the government of exploiting the Middle East crisis to justify multiple fuel price hikes from March 2026 onwards. He noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had previously assured the public in March that Sri Lanka held sufficient fuel stocks for approximately three months. Pricing Discrepancies: Rahman claimed that fuel imported at lower pre-conflict global rates was sold at higher retail prices. He highlighted a contradiction where the government now refuses to pass on falling global oil prices to consumers, citing that existing stocks were procured at higher rates. Economic and Tax Pressures: The MP stated that sharp fuel price increases since February 28 have triggered a cascading effect, raising transportation and production costs, driving up inflation, and eroding public purchasing power. He alleged that the administration maintains high fuel taxes despite election pledges to remove unfair levies. Lack of Transparency: Rahman criticized the government for failing to properly disclose fuel pricing details under the Right to Information framework and questioned whether controversial pricing commissions still exist. Other Concerns: The opposition MP also criticized delays in Provincial Council elections, called for an independent inquiry into a reported missing US$ 2.5 Mn from the Treasury, and urged non-politicized, expedited investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.