Opposition Leader Sajith Calls for Immediate Reversal of Fuel Price Hike

13-Mar-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the government to immediately reduce the recently increased fuel prices and provide relief to the public.

He pointed out that selling existing fuel stocks at higher prices constitutes a serious injustice to consumers. He made these remarks in a special statement issued on March 11.

Premadasa noted that when crude oil in the world market is priced at around 70 US dollars per barrel, increasing fuel prices by altering the pricing formula under the pretext of the conflict situation in the Middle East amounts to a corrupt practice.

He further stated that charging new prices for fuel stocks imported earlier at a lower cost of around 70 dollars per barrel is a violation of basic consumer rights.

The government has misled the public by claiming that global oil prices have sharply increased. In fact, the price increase lasted only a few hours and subsequently declined again. At present, the price per barrel is even lower than before, making the recent fuel price hike unjustifiable, he said.

Premadasa warned that the decision would adversely affect ordinary citizens, people living below the poverty line, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, producers and income earners.

He therefore called on the government to immediately revoke what he described as a corrupt pricing decision and determine fuel prices based on the earlier import price of around 70 dollars per barrel.

He also urged the government to stop imposing excessive taxes and financial pressure on the public and instead act in the interests of the people.

Premadasa further stated that the government should stop governing the country in a manner detached from reality while the economy continues to deteriorate before the eyes of the people, and take practical steps to ensure energy security and safeguard the people’s right to livelihood.