CPC makes profit on petrol but loses on diesel and kerosene

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is making a profit on petrol sales but incurring losses on diesel and kerosene under current retail prices, according to its pricing structure for imported refined petroleum products for August 2026.vThe figures show that both petrol grades are being sold above their formula-based costs.

Petrol 92 has a formula-based cost of Rs. 398.70 per litre and is currently sold at Rs. 414.00, giving the CPC an estimated margin of Rs. 15.30 per litre. Petrol 95 has the highest positive margin. Its formula-based cost is Rs. 448.56 per litre, compared with a retail price of Rs. 495.00, resulting in an estimated margin of Rs. 46.44 per litre.

The situation is different for diesel and kerosene, with current retail prices below their estimated formula-based costs. Lanka Auto Diesel has the largest estimated shortfall, with a formula-based cost of Rs. 428.88 per litre against a retail price of Rs. 382.00, representing a loss of Rs. 46.88 per litre.

Lanka Super Diesel is estimated to incur a loss of Rs. 30.59 per litre, with a formula-based cost of Rs. 508.59 and a retail price of Rs. 478.00.

Kerosene is also being sold below its formula-based cost. Its estimated cost is Rs. 298.51 per litre, compared with a retail price of Rs. 285.00, resulting in a loss of Rs. 13.51 per litre.