Fuel Prices Will Not Be Revised at End of March
29-Mar-2026.
Once fuel distribution returns to normal, the odd-even number plate system will be abolished. Fuel quota distribution for fishermen and farmers will be carried out through Grama Niladhari officers or divisional secretariats. Purchased fuel shipments will continue to arrive from next month onwards. Fuel prices will not be revised at the end of March, CPC Chairman D.S. Rajakaruna said.
He made these remarks at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department on March 28.
Speaking further, he said that once conflict conditions emerged in the Middle East, people purchased fuel beyond their actual needs during the first week of March due to fear of shortages. During that period, an unusually high volume of 57,000 metric tonnes of diesel and 47,000 metric tonnes of petrol was distributed. This led to the fuel price increase on March 10.
He said the quota (QR) system was introduced to ensure stability in the fuel distribution structure, and fuel prices were increased again on the 22nd.
He stressed that under the monthly fuel pricing formula, there is no need to revise fuel prices at the end of this month.
Fuel is currently being distributed based on an odd-even number plate system, which was implemented to reduce queues. Since demand has now slightly decreased, the system will be removed once distribution returns to normal.
He added that purchased fuel shipments will continue to arrive in Sri Lanka, with regular arrivals expected throughout April. Based on these shipments, there will be no fuel shortage until June.
Measures have also been taken to distribute fuel quotas on a non-vehicle basis. Quotas for fishermen and farmers will be issued through Grama Niladhari officers or divisional secretariats.
He further said that fuel stocks required for electricity generation and aviation are sufficient. However, due to worsening dry weather conditions, more fuel must be supplied for thermal power generation.
He concluded that strict decisions were taken to safeguard the fuel distribution structure, and that he would not respond to those who expressed negative opinions when the quota system was introduced.
