Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today (02) disclosed details pertaining to the fuel consumption and fuel import costs in the country so far this year. 

The Minister stated that fuel import costs have continued to increase in line with prices in the global market.

He stated that the government spent USD 186 million on fuel imports in January, while the fuel import bill had surged to USD 521 million by May. 

Minister Jayatissa further commented, “If we look at fuel consumption figures, Auto Diesel consumption stood at 4,538 kiloliters in January, 4,846 in February, 6,130 in March, 3,988 in April, and 3,701 kiloliters in May.”

He said the total amount of diesel used in January was 5,944 kiloliters, and 5,394 kiloliters in May.

“A total of 5,565 kiloliters of petrol 92 Octane was used in January, while 4,849 kiloliters had been used in May.”

“However, with the increase in oil prices in the global market, our monthly oil import costs have increased. Fuel imports cost USD 186 million in January, USD 97 million in February, USD 95 million in March, USD 316 million in April, and USD 521 million in May.”

“Although fuel consumption remained within the range of 80-90% from January to May, the monthly import cost has risen from USD 186 million to USD 521 million during the same period. We are trying to adjust fuel prices in line with fluctuations in the global market.”