Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake told Parliament on Wednesday that the government will seek legal advice on possible action against private fuel companies if they continue to restrict fuel supplies.
He said the government does not currently have the authority to order the companies to supply fuel to their stations. The Ministry has told them to hold minimum fuel stocks, as required by their agreements.
If supplies stay limited, the government will look at action under those agreements and the powers given to the Ministry by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Act, he said.
Answering a question from Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP S.M. Marikkar, the Minister said the agreements allow private companies to raise prices to cover costs under the fuel pricing formula. They have not done so and have kept prices close to those announced by the CPC, he said.
For motorists, the dispute affects how easily fuel can be found at private stations.
The Minister said private fuel operators were due to meet at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday.
