Fuel, water price hikes likely in the future

A hike in fuel prices as well as water bills is likely soon, Parliament was told today.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that the recently imposed US economic sanctions on Iran may result in another fuel price hike as it will have a negative effect on Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister said in response to a question raised by UPFA Joint Opposition MP Bandula Gunawardena.

“The impending US sanctions in Iran could affect Sri Lanka adversely. We don’t know whether this would result in an oil price hike as Sri Lanka currently imports Iranian crude oil. However we will have to be prepared to face any adverse situation,” he said.

Meanwhile water bills will likely increase soon, Deputy Minister of City Planning and Water Supply State Minister Lucky Jayawardena told Parliament today.

Responding to a question raised by Kurunegala District UPFA MP Dayasiri Jayasekera,  the Deputy Minister said that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board was facing financial difficulties due to the increased expenditure on water purification, distribution, new water supply connections, payments of salaries to employees and debt servicing.

The increase in the water tariff has not bene finalized yet, he said.

(CK)