Former UNP Deputy Leader and MP Ravi Karunanayake has called on the government to reduce domestic fuel prices in line with the recent decline in global oil prices, saying such a move would provide much-needed relief to the public.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake said the government could not be faulted for increasing fuel prices when global oil prices surged during the Middle East crisis.
However, he stressed that the government now has a responsibility to pass on the benefits of falling international oil prices to consumers by reducing local fuel prices.
Responding to questions from journalists, Karunanayake said he could not confirm whether the government would reduce fuel prices as early as next week, but urged the authorities to consider the hardships faced by the public when making their decision.
He added that lower fuel prices would likely lead to a reduction in transport and other service costs, easing the cost of living for the public.
Karunanayake further said that if such price reductions do not materialise, the government should intervene and introduce appropriate relief measures to support the people.
