Petrol and Diesel Market Price vs. Formula Price in May 2025

Abstract

In May 2025, the prices of both Petrol 92 and Auto Diesel were reduced in Sri Lanka. Petrol 92 dropped by LKR 6 per litre, while Auto Diesel saw a more significant cut of LKR 12 per litre. This marks the fourth consecutive month in which the retail price of Petrol 92 has remained aligned with its formula price. In contrast, the price of Auto Diesel continues to exceed the formula benchmark, despite the market price reduction.

The formula price of Petrol 92 was revised down to LKR 290.6 per litre in May—a decrease of LKR 6.3 from April. The market price was just LKR 2.4 lower than the formula price, placing it within a 2% variation. This narrow margin confirms that petrol prices remain effectively aligned with the formula.

Auto Diesel, however, tells a different story. Even after the LKR 12 price cut in May, its market price is still LKR 13.6 higher than the formula price. This follows an already significant disparity in April, when the market price exceeded the formula price by LKR 17.2. Moreover, falling global fuel prices further pushed the diesel formula price down by LKR 8.4 in May, widening the gap between the market and formula prices despite the local adjustment.