The sale of kerosene has to be restricted in certain areas, Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said at a media briefing today.

Gammanpila said the CPC incurred a loss of Rs. 23 million due to selling of Kerosine at subsidised prices.

The Minister further stated the government would no longer be able to sustain the subsidised prices if the business community misuse the subsidy.

"Due to the huge price gap between gas and kerosene, people are more inclined to use kerosene stoves instead of gas stoves. As a result, the demand for Kerosene suddenly went up. These days we control the release of kerosene in areas where there is no farming community or fishing community," he added.

Gammapila also added it was the responsibility of the Finance Minister to decide on the fuel prices. Gammanpila has already made it clear that fuel prices should be increased to reduce the loss on the CPC.