March 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced a sweeping upward revision of fuel prices, which came into effect from midnight on March 21, signalling renewed pressure on households and businesses already grappling with a fragile economic recovery.
Under the latest adjustment, auto diesel has risen steeply by Rs. 79 per litre, bringing the new retail price to Rs. 382. Super diesel has recorded an even sharper increase of Rs. 90, now selling at Rs. 443 per litre. Petrol prices have also climbed significantly, with 92 octane rising by Rs. 81 to Rs. 398, while 95 octane has surged by Rs. 90 to reach Rs. 455 per litre.
Kerosene, often relied upon by lower-income households and small-scale industries, has not been spared, with a Rs. 60 increase pushing its price to Rs. 255 per litre. The across-the-board hikes are expected to ripple through the wider economy, potentially driving up transport costs and the price of essential goods in the coming weeks.
In a parallel move, Lanka IOC confirmed that it would align its retail prices with those set by CEYPETCO, maintaining parity across the fuel market. This coordinated pricing approach reflects the tightly regulated nature of Sri Lanka’s energy sector, where adjustments are often made in tandem to avoid market distortions.
Revised Fuel Prices (Effective March 21 Midnight):
Auto Diesel – Rs. 382 (↑ Rs. 79)
Super Diesel – Rs. 443 (↑ Rs. 90)
Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 398 (↑ Rs. 81)
Kerosene – Rs. 255 (↑ Rs. 60)
Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 455 (↑ Rs. 90)