The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) has questioned why the price of diesel remains unchanged despite its widespread use and the Government’s promise that increased competition in the fuel market would bring greater relief to consumers

Speaking to The Daily Morning, ECA’s General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said the Government had presented the entry of the said three Companies as a move aimed at creating competition in the fuel market and ultimately providing relief to consumers “But today, we are asking a simple question: What real benefit has the public received from this competitive market? They all sell fuel at almost the same prices. Where is the competition that the Government said would be there?”

He also said the price of diesel has not gone down in the latest fuel price revision, despite its importance to the country’s fuel consumption and its use in electricity generation. “Diesel is one of the most-used types of fuel in the country. Its price has a direct impact on consumers and manufacturers However, the latest price revision didn’t make any change to the diesel price. The Government is always saying that they are there to provide relief to consumers But, they don’t act on what they say.”

Dhammika also said the Energy Ministry should explain to the people as to whether Treasury funds, collected through taxes paid by the public, are being used to cover operating or marketing losses incurred by fuel companies. “If that is not happening, tell the country that clearly. If public funds are being used, disclose how much is being spent. If not, show the country, with the numbers, where the promised relief has reached,” he said.

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka was not available for comment.

The comments came after the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco/CPC) announced a fuel price revision effective from 30 August midnight. Under the latest revision, the price of Petrol 92 was reduced by Rs 15 to Rs 399 a litre and Petrol 95 by Rs 20 to Rs 475. However, the price of Auto Diesel remained unchanged at Rs 382 a litre, while Super Diesel remained at Rs 478 and kerosene at Rs 285. The LIOC also revised its petrol prices in line with the CPC prices.