Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake has challenged allegations that Sri Lanka purchased crude oil at $268 per barrel, demanding critics produce evidence for the claim.
Speaking at a government media briefing on April 17, the minister was asked about reports that crude oil had been procured at prices between $268 and $280 per barrel. “Who said that crude oil was purchased at this price?” he responded, firmly rejecting the figure when reporters attributed it to media coverage.
Three Figures, Three Contexts
The $268 claim circulating in media and opposition circles is distinct from two other contested figures in the ongoing fuel pricing debate:
- CPC Chairman Rajakaruna confirmed on April 17 that diesel was purchased at $285–$288 per barrel due to Middle East conflict premiums — but stressed crude oil was far cheaper at $67–$113
- CPC initially rejected the $286 figure entirely on April 16 before narrowing the denial the following day
The transport minister’s denial concerns crude oil specifically. CPC’s own data shows crude shipments contracted at $66.99, $71.99, $111.62, and $113.29 per barrel — well below the $268 figure.
Ratnayake’s intervention adds a ministerial voice to CPC’s pricing defence at a politically charged moment, with the media briefing held following Energy Minister Jayakody’s resignation and ahead of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into coal procurement.
