Ceylon Petroleum to color kerosene red

Sri Lanka’s government-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has decided to color locally sold kerosene red, instead of the previously used blue color, to curb unscrupulous traders from mixing kerosene with petrol and diesel fuel. Kerosene is the major fuel used by Sri Lankas underprivileged sector for lighting and cooking. However, some private companies also use kerosene for various industrial purposes. CPC sees a need to systematize the provision of subsidy only to the needy. (February 16, 2007)