Energy Ministry Orders Companies to Maintain Minimum Fuel Stocks
COLOMBO, October 6, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s Energy Ministry has instructed relevant companies to maintain minimum fuel stock levels to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products in the domestic market, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament today.
The Ministry Secretary has notified the companies concerned to ensure that adequate minimum stocks are maintained, the Minister said, adding that arrangements would be put in place to ensure continuity of fuel supplies in the future.
Minister Karunathilaka said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) could take on a greater responsibility for maintaining the required fuel stocks and supporting market stability.
“What we can do in this regard is to have the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation bear this burden,” the Minister told Parliament.
He also highlighted the growing role of the CPC in the domestic diesel market, noting that the corporation’s market share has increased significantly in recent years.
According to the Minister, the CPC previously accounted for around 54% of diesel supplied to the Sri Lankan market, but its share has now risen to approximately 82%.
“The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation currently holds an 82% share of the market,” Minister Karunathilaka said.
The Ministry’s latest directive comes as the government seeks to strengthen fuel supply security and ensure that adequate stocks are available to meet domestic demand and prevent disruptions to essential economic activities.
