Business

Sri Lanka increases petrol, diesel prices as Middle East tensions push oil above $100

Sri Lanka has increased retail fuel prices by more than 8 per cent with effect from midnight Monday, March 9, as authorities move to curb hoarding and panic buying.

COLOMBO : The price revision comes as global crude oil prices crossed the USD 100 per barrel mark for the first time in four years, following heightened geopolitical tensions and recent US–Iran strikes that have intensified fears of supply disruptions across global markets.

According to the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), the prices of widely used petrol and diesel varieties have been raised by LKR 22 per litre under the latest revision.

Officials said the move was necessary after an increase in fuel demand across the country. “We have noticed heavy consumption since the news of the Middle East war situation,” a CPC official said.

Long queues have reportedly formed outside fuel stations since February 28, when hostilities escalated following the strikes on Iran, prompting concerns among the public about possible shortages.

Sri Lanka has raised petrol and diesel prices by LKR 22 per litre due to global oil prices surpassing USD 100 per barrel amid Middle East tensions. The increase follows heightened demand and fears of supply disruptions, leading to long queues at fuel stations.

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