Fuelling discontent and protest
Saturday 3rd October, 2026 Private fuel bowser owners were up in arms, yesterday, claiming that they were incurring huge losses because the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had not increased commissions for fuel distribution. Unless the CPC responded favourably to their demand for a substantial increase in commissions, they would be left with no alternative but […]
On Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, fuel bowser owners expressed outrage over the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) not increasing commissions for fuel distribution. The Ceylon Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (CPPTOA), representing the bowser owners, warned that they would stop fuel distribution if their demands were not met. The CPPTOA demanded at least a 20% commission increase, citing the sharp rise in the cost of fuel distribution.
A meeting between CPPTOA representatives and CPC officials was taking place when these reports were being compiled. The CPPTOA's frustration was underscored by the CPC's apparent indifference to the concerns of fuel distributors. The association had been protesting for weeks, but the CPC failed to address their demands promptly.
The CPPTOA emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent fuel shortages and their subsequent impact on the economy. They urged the CPC to engage in negotiations and find a solution to the problem. While it is unclear whether a 20% commission increase is fair, the CPPTOA stressed the importance of resolving fuel distribution issues through dialogue.
The potential consequences of a fuel distribution halt were severe, with potential domino effects across various sectors of the economy. The fragile economy, still recovering from a recent crisis, could not bear any more shocks. Public patience was wearing thin, and disruptions to fuel supply would exacerbate the situation.
Additionally, trade unions within the petroleum sector raised concerns about the CPC selling fuel from older stocks at higher prices, while fuel distributors called for the immediate scrapping of the loss-recovery levy, arguing that the CPC's legacy debt was fully repaid. These issues should be addressed in Parliament by the Opposition, rather than being dismissed as insignificant.
The CPPTOA expressed hope that the CPC and CPPTOA would resolve their commission dispute through negotiations, and that the CPC would demonstrate greater responsibility in the future, avoiding the escalation of trade union issues that could cripple the petroleum sector.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
