Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reveals that the two recent fuel price revisions were not based on the pricing formula, citing the wartime emergency, while clarifying that Sri Lanka lacks the vessels to transport oil from Iran despite Tehran’s offer.
The two fuel price revisions made this month were not carried out according to the pricing formula, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated. Speaking at the Cabinet decision briefing held at the Government Information Department, the Minister explained that the increase in crude oil and refined fuel prices on the global market did not occur according to any formula but was driven by the prevailing wartime situation. Consequently, the government made these price adjustments without relying on the pricing mechanism.
When journalists questioned the Minister about the pricing formula introduced during the tenure of former Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who had stated that the formula was designed to accommodate any fluctuations in global market prices, Minister Nalinda refused to acknowledge that position. His remarks indicated that the government was compelled to make decisions outside the pricing formula given the current circumstances.
Iran’s Oil Offer and Sri Lanka’s Limitations
Responding to the Iranian Ambassador’s statement that Iran was ready to supply fuel to Sri Lanka, Minister Nalinda said the government appreciates the gesture. However, he pointed out that Sri Lanka does not possess the necessary vessels to transport that fuel to the country. He noted that only nations with their own shipping fleets have the capability to bring oil from Iran, and Sri Lanka lacks such facilities.
The Minister further clarified that while the government has expressed gratitude for Iran’s offer, the practical challenge remains the absence of a dedicated fleet to handle the transportation. He emphasized that the country’s fuel requirements for the coming months have already been ordered and secured, assuring that no supply issues are expected.
Regarding the Iris Dena vessel destroyed by a US attack within Sri Lanka’s nearby maritime boundaries, Minister Nalinda responded to comments made by the Iranian Ambassador. He clarified that no diplomatic invitation had been extended for Iranian sailors to come to Sri Lanka. Instead, he explained that only a friendly invitation had been made by the Naval Commander while in India, adding that those involved in diplomatic affairs are well aware of the distinction between such gestures and formal diplomatic invitations.
The Minister reiterated that the recent fuel price revisions were exceptional measures taken outside the regular pricing framework due to the emergency situation created by the wartime conditions in the Middle East. He maintained that the government’s priority remains ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply while managing the challenges posed by the global crisis.
