In response to mounting pressure from private bus owners’ associations for an immediate increase in bus fares following recent fuel price adjustments, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has made a decisive announcement: bus fares will remain unchanged despite fluctuations in fuel prices.
The call for fare adjustments came swiftly after the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), Lanka IOC, and Sinopec implemented revisions in fuel prices, effective as of midnight on the previous day.
Anjana Priyanjith, the chief secretary of the All-Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association, emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing successive increases in diesel prices. Priyanjith pointed out that the recent surge in diesel costs warranted a proportional increase in bus fares to offset operational expenses.
Notably, diesel prices rose by Rs. 29 per litre earlier, with an additional increase of Rs. 05 per litre implemented just the day before. This rapid escalation prompted concerns within the private bus sector about the viability of maintaining current fare levels.
However, despite these appeals, the NTC has stood firm in its decision not to raise bus fares in light of the fuel price fluctuations. This stance underscores the commission's commitment to maintaining stability within the public transportation system and ensuring affordability for commuters across the nation.
Meanwhile, the latest fuel price adjustments have seen mixed outcomes for consumers. Petrol 92 Octane prices have edged up by Rs. 05 to reach Rs. 368 per litre, while Petrol 95 Octane experienced a reduction of Rs. 08, settling at Rs. 456 per litre. Auto Diesel prices climbed by Rs. 05, now standing at Rs. 360 per litre, whereas Super Diesel witnessed a decrease of Rs. 07, with the new price set at Rs. 468 per litre.
