World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Private fuel distributors threaten action over stagnant commission rates
Fuel bowser operators say they face mounting losses as the state petroleum corporation maintains unchanged commission structures. The distributors are demanding substantial rate increases or warn of escalated industrial action.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Private fuel bowser owners in Sri Lanka have escalated pressure on the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) over commission rates, claiming they are operating at severe financial losses due to unchanged distribution margins.
The fuel distributors, who operate independently owned bowsers across the island, say they have received no commission increases despite rising operational costs and inflation. They argue that static rates have eroded their profit margins significantly, making the distribution business increasingly unviable.
The group has called on the CPC to respond positively to demands for substantially higher commissions, signalling they will pursue alternative action if their grievances remain unaddressed. The timing of the dispute comes as Sri Lanka's energy sector continues to navigate supply and pricing challenges.
The CPC, which oversees fuel distribution through both company-owned and private operator networks, has not yet issued a public response to the commission demands. Fuel distributors supply petrol and diesel to retail pumps across the country, making their cooperation essential to maintaining fuel availability at the consumer level.