Queues caused due to filling stations not placing orders fearing price cut

Due to the Government's assurance of reducing fuel prices by April 1, there is a delay for new orders by filling stations, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) affiliated Samagi United Trade Union Force (SUTUF) convener and spokesman Ananda Palitha said.

Last week Energy Minister said in Parliament that at the upcoming fuel price revision on April 1 the prices could be reduced by a considerable margin, which could be felt by consumers.

He said that the filling station owners refrained from placing new orders out of fear of reducing the prices.

Several fuel filling stations, said that they could not afford to incur losses because of the Government’s claim to reduce the price by a large margin.

“The Government should take measures to introduce a mechanism to recover any difference if we buy fuel at higher prices,” they said.