Government in Petroleum Trade-Is it Really Necessary?

Since nationalization of the petroleum import and distribution trade in 1961 successive Sri Lankan Governments have continued to carry the burden of operating this business. During the past four decades, the political and economic burden became evident with the drastic increase of prices, partly due to the cartel exercised by OPEC. This has meant that price increases as well as product and service quality have been key issues for Opposition political parties in leveling criticism against any government that was in power. In the recent past too, we have seen the Government being criticized on petroleum trade related issues.