Sri Lanka, Oct. 23 -- The three foreign companies involved in retail fuel distribution - Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC), Sinopec and RM Parks - have limited their operations amid a surge in global fuel prices, leaving the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) hard-pressed to make up the shortfall, an official said yesterday.

CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna told the Daily Mirror that these suppliers accounted for 45% of the fuel distributed in the country.

"Now, 80% of diesel is distributed by us through our network of filling stations," he said.

Asked whether fuel consumption would be further discouraged, he said a price hike would be the best option.

"We cannot tighten the QR code system to rationalize distribution because it involves su...