Mujibur Rahman Criticises Fuel Price Increase, Questions Government’s Fuel Relief

Speaking at a media briefing held by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), SJB Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman criticised the Government over the recent increase in fuel prices and questioned the effectiveness of the fuel relief measures announced by the Government.

Rahuman said that, under the present Government, what was described as providing relief to the public had instead resulted in price increases.

He referred to a recent statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a public rally in Gampaha regarding fuel relief, saying that party supporters had applauded the announcement because they expected fuel prices to be reduced.

Rahuman said inflation in the country had increased, while noting that inflation had previously been maintained at around 4% to 5%.

He said the Government had announced that relief would be provided on fuel and that funds had been allocated by the Cabinet for this purpose. According to Rahuman, the public therefore expected to receive some relief through lower fuel prices.

However, he said the situation had now resulted in fuel prices increasing. He questioned who had ultimately benefited from the relief provided by the Government, claiming that foreign companies had benefited instead.

The Government has said that the fuel-price measures were introduced amid rising international petroleum prices and the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Cabinet had also approved funding for fuel-price relief for three months.

Rahuman further criticised the latest fuel-price increase, saying it would have a direct impact on the public. He specifically referred to the Rs. 50 increase in the price of Super Diesel, which brought the CPC price to Rs. 528 per litre.

He said the increase could once again contribute to a rise in the cost of living and warned that such developments could create considerable public dissatisfaction in the future.

Rahuman also questioned the Government’s previous position that fuel should be sold to the public at prices based on the cost at which it was unloaded from the port. He criticised the Government over the level of taxes imposed on fuel while maintaining that the Treasury had accumulated funds.

He further raised concerns over the decline in foreign investment entering the country, describing it as a major issue.

Turning to another matter, Rahuman alleged that individuals connected to the Government had forcibly occupied land in the Millennium City area. He questioned why the police had not taken action over the matter and asked why the law was not being enforced.

He described the alleged occupation as a serious matter and questioned how land could be taken over by force when there are legal procedures that must be followed for the acquisition or transfer of land.

Rahuman called for the relevant laws to be properly enforced in relation to such allegations.