The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, first, there is no fuel shortage. Under our Government such a shortage will not be allowed. There are queues, created by a certain mood. We are ready for discussions; dealers are in communication with CPC. Recent order numbers are higher than normal—about 1,800 versus the usual 1,100–1,200. Some may be attempting quick gains. Reports of non-distribution emerged from a professional association via social media, not via official channels. We continue direct engagements.

¶ 02 The new pricing formula is not just technical; we consulted dealers and modeled five scenarios by load sizes. The margin is fair and higher than before relative to actual CPC costs, not including taxes. Attempts to manufacture a crisis appear politically motivated. On 28th, in Court, no submissions were made by dealers; they have no basis to oppose. One cannot compute commissions on taxes; that is unfair.