Distribution system for low-price fuel

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The Transport Ministry has decided to set up a low price fuel distribution network in the country to ease the burden cast on consumers by the rising cost of living.

The new supply and distribution network, to be set up independently of the existing Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) sales outlets will provide the recently introduced low price gasoline RON 87 to the public, Transport Ministry sources told the Daily News.

"Although the new fuel was introduced a few months back, no system is still in place to supply it to the public.

"Our objective is to create a network which would exclusively provide it to consumers," a Ministry spokesman said.

He said a separate network to supply the new fuel was necessary owing to malpractices that could take place in the distribution process.

"If the distribution of the new fuel is entrusted to the existing fuel stations, there may be attempts at mixing it with petrol or diesel and selling it at a higher price. Such incidents could be avoided by setting up an exclusive distribution network," he said.

The new fuel which is of a lower octane and meant for three wheelers and motor cycles is expected to provide relief to the ordinary public who use small vehicles. According to the Ministry, the CPC has already produced adequate RON 87 to meet the public demand for the fuel.