Sri Lanka says it will not curb economic activity to cut fuel consumption despite surging global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters yesterday that the government expects to maintain a continuous fuel supply and does not plan to close schools or universities or introduce widespread work-from-home measures to reduce fuel use. He said retail fuel prices were recently increased partly to manage rising consumption and higher import costs after existing fuel stocks were depleted. Dr. Jayatissa said global fuel price increases had forced many countries to raise retail prices, citing hikes in Pakistan, Vietnam, the United States and New Zealand. Crude price had jumped briefly above 100 USD a barrel before easing on hopes of an end to the conflict.