October 11, Colombo (LNW): Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka has warned private fuel distributors that they could face legal consequences if they deliberately limit supplies in an attempt to force the government to approve higher prices.
The Minister said some privately operated filling stations had reportedly reduced fuel distribution, leaving motorists and other consumers facing unnecessary difficulties. He stressed that any attempt to create artificial shortages to influence pricing decisions would not be tolerated.
Private suppliers may set fuel prices according to their own operating costs if they wish, Karunathilaka said. However, he made clear that the freedom to determine prices would not justify withholding fuel from the public or imposing arbitrary increases under pressure.
The government recognises the importance of private investment in the energy sector and remains committed to supporting legitimate business interests. Nevertheless, the Minister said safeguarding consumers and maintaining a reliable, uninterrupted fuel supply would take precedence over commercial demands.
He also cautioned multinational companies and fuel distributors against attempting to influence government policy through unjustified pressure. Authorities would consider appropriate legal measures if suppliers continued to restrict distribution in a way that disrupted public access to fuel, he added.
