Protest over quality of diesel-petrol! – Civil societies complain to Standards Institute

Consumers are protesting regarding the quality of fuel issued at filling stations. There were several such protests in several areas including Nuwara Eliya.

Meanwhile, several civil society organizations today (March 28) lodged a complaint with the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) seeking the release of a credible report on the quality of diesel and petrol.

The complaint was lodged by several civil society organizations, including the All Ceylon School Children Transport Association (AISCTA) and the All Ceylon Three Wheeler Drivers' Union.

Howeve reported that the All Ceylon Three Wheeler Drivers' Union President Lalith Dharmasekara had said that the Standards Institution had said they had no authority to check for the quality of the fuel.

He said that the complaint was lodged due to several complaints being received from consumers about the reduction in fuel efficiency.

When asked whether the matter would be reported to a responsible authority, he had said measures are being taken in this regard.

Sunanda Fernando, Director of the Engineering Standards Division of the institute, said that the relevant civil society organizations had come to his institute and lodged a complaint.

However, he said that his institution had no power to take up the matter, but had asked the civil society organizations to present the complaint in writing.

Accordingly, he told those organizations that steps would be taken to refer the complaint to the competent authorities.

Fernando stated that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has the power to inspect the quality of fuels. If not, the Consumer Affairs Authority should take action, he added.