Addressing a media briefing, Jagoda said fuel prices had been raised on January 6, March 1, March 10, March 22, May 2, and most recently on May 30. He argued that the cumulative increases have imposed a significant burden on consumers.
According to Jagoda, compared with prices at the beginning of January, the retail price of 92-octane petrol has increased by Rs. 140 per litre, while 95-octane petrol has risen by Rs. 160. He further claimed that regular diesel prices have increased by Rs. 130 per litre, super diesel by Rs. 160, and kerosene by Rs. 105 per litre.
The criticism comes after CPC announced a fresh fuel price revision effective from midnight on May 30. Under the latest adjustment, 92-octane petrol increased by Rs. 24 to Rs. 434 per litre, 95-octane petrol by Rs. 25 to Rs. 495, auto diesel by Rs. 15 to Rs. 407, super diesel by Rs. 20 to Rs. 478, and kerosene by Rs. 20 to Rs. 285 per litre.
Jagoda also pointed to a CPC statement issued on May 26 that reportedly rejected speculation about an imminent fuel price increase. Around the same period, CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage stated that Sri Lanka had sufficient fuel stocks until the end of July and that no major fuel price hike was expected in the near future.
He argued that the latest increase, introduced only days after those assurances, raises questions about the accuracy of official statements and the government's fuel-pricing policy. Jagoda alleged that authorities were either withholding accurate information from the public or increasing prices despite having fuel stocks purchased at lower costs.
