The United Trade Union Confederation (UTUC) says the government plans to increase fuel prices next week.

Its convener Ananda Palitha states that the CPC now has sufficient stocks of diesel, petrol and kerosene.

However, he said that the oil stocks were being issued in a limited manner in the hope of raising oil prices next week. He added that there would be no fuel shortage until mid-June.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that in some areas, the organized group is blocking the bowsers transporting fuel and forcing them to land at the nearest petrol station.

 They also threatened to set fire to the browser if it did not land, the Minister said. If these groups continue to do so, the distribution of fuel will have to be suspended for the safety of fuel transport workers, he added.