The Government will not increase fuel prices and place additional pressure on consumers merely to meet the demands of private fuel suppliers, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said.

Responding to questions raised by journalists in Colombo, the Minister stressed that the Government was not prepared to increase fuel prices to suit the requirements of private companies at the expense of consumers.

He also explained that private fuel companies have the ability to determine their own retail prices based on their costs, in accordance with the agreements governing their operations.

The Minister made the remarks amid concerns over restrictions imposed by private companies on fuel supplies and their demands relating to pricing.

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka further warned that the Government would take appropriate action if private fuel suppliers continued to restrict fuel supplies.