Trade unions claim further restrictions on the supply of fuel are aimed at increasing prices once again.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo, trade unionist Ananda Palitha said a large sum of funds is being paid as late fees for an imported crude oil shipment.
Palitha said there is no reason to limit the issuance of fuel as water levels in reservoirs have increased due to the prevailing weather while sufficient diesel stocks are also in possession with an additional 40,000MT of diesel expected on the 29th of May.
He said USD 3.3 million in late charges have been paid for a crude oil shipment which was allocated to be paid for a shipment of LP gas.
The trade unionist claimed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is yet to stop attempts to embezzle funds.
Palitha also claimed individuals affiliated with the government did not wait in fuel queues as they had access to fuel.
He said the government must release adequate stocks of fuel to filling stations and end queues instead of hoarding with the aim of further increasing fuel prices.
