No other option than a price hike of petroleum products: Dullas

22 December 2021 06:34 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The government has taken the difficult decision to increase fuel prices in the domestic market, well aware of the difficulties faced by the people, as there is no other option than a price hike of petroleum products, as the national economy is in a major crisis as never before, Co-Cabinet spokesman, Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said yesterday.

The decision to jack up oil prices was taken after consulting the Central Bank, the Power and Energy Ministries and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, he added.

Minister Alahapperuma told the weekly post cabinet virtual news conference that the price increase of fuel will affect all other goods and services and eventually spiral their prices as well.

“The volatility in the global fuel market has put the government in a spot with no alternative than a price hike. But it is extremely unfair that the prices of fuel with subsidies have to be borne by low income families as well as those affluent people who can afford it. Therefore, I believe the fuel with subsidies must be given only to low and middle income families,” he stressed.

Minister Alahapperuma also said though the combined opposition severely criticised former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera for having introduced a price formula for fuel, he now believes that the price formula is beneficial to the consumer as well as the marketer. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

Comments - 17

Mevan Wednesday, 22 December 2021 06:51 AM

DEAR Hon. Mangala Samaraweera finally your work is appreciated even by the strongest critics. We miss your liberal views and forward thinking. Hope this country will produce many people like you. A true Patriot of this nation.

Karu Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:13 AM

Yes. Tongues have no nerves

Arnold Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:16 AM

These are the same people who said why need a government when they cannot look after the citizens? Lanka would do much better without these thieves.

Lala Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:27 AM

Your last sentence reflects (Price formula), how much you are lagged behind of thinking.

Ishi Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:37 AM

Sure…but all the benefits enjoyed by the MPs should be stopped as well.

Punchi menika Wednesday, 22 December 2021 05:53 PM

Yes. Well said

Premalal Perera Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:52 AM

How can the decision to increase fuel prices be difficult for the government? Have they done productive work in their lifetime other than freeloading from the people?

Premalal Perera Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:54 AM

Who brought the country to this crisis point? Is it you or us?

Kumara Dharmarathne Wednesday, 22 December 2021 08:03 AM

Public is now aware that you always take difficult decisions and don't forget that they are really harmful to general public.

Sambo Wednesday, 22 December 2021 08:09 AM

It is very easy to say no option but price hike while the oil price is going down in the world market. Our governments never takes accountability and responsibility of their actions and the public has to pay the price. The wastage by the millions of dollars but no one to take responsibility.

ravin Wednesday, 22 December 2021 08:18 AM

Do you think so? We think otherwise. Firstly cut down all pilot, backup, fuel given to stooges, and of course so called "requesting something". Secondly no free or subsidies meals , and other facilities for all temporary administrators. All must pay current market prices. There are many more. But you may calculate, see it by yourself the amount you can save to subsidize poor peoples facilities.

Terrence Wednesday, 22 December 2021 08:21 AM

With the world oil prices plummeting down there is no logical argument for prices of fuel subsidies borne by low income families with a formula in place

Jude Wednesday, 22 December 2021 09:29 AM

You guys NEVER had options or any plans!!

Voter perera Wednesday, 22 December 2021 09:30 AM

You will have your reply when elections come around until then keep on making excuses.

dickie bird Wednesday, 22 December 2021 10:21 AM

Enough being a welfare state

N SENA Wednesday, 22 December 2021 01:10 PM

HE HE HE HE HEEEEEEEEEE. WE WILL RESPOND AT THE NEXT ELECTIONS

roobarbie Wednesday, 22 December 2021 01:52 PM

We do not see any sacrifices by the 225 buffaloes residing in the mad house at Kotte. Time we cut off the blank cheques given to these useless creatures to have holidays and health services abroad, and drastically remove their free and limitless fuel allowance. Better still send them all home with no pay and no perks.

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No other option than a price hike of petroleum products: Dullas

Comments - 17

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