Bus and Three-Wheeler Fares to Remain Unchanged

Despite a Rs. 12 drop in diesel prices announced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) effective from midnight on April 30, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) and three-wheeler unions have confirmed that transport fares will remain unchanged.

LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said that although diesel prices have decreased, the reduction does not meet the required 4% threshold under the fare revision formula that has been in place for 20 years. “We have not violated the formula, so no one should expect fare reductions just because diesel went down by Rs. 12,” he told the media. He noted that a fare revision will only be considered during the annual review scheduled for July.

Wijeratne also explained that fuel is only one component of operational costs, with maintenance, spare parts, and labor costs also rising. He stressed that diesel would need to drop by Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 to justify a revision. He further noted that no private buses have been requested for May Day rallies this year, indicating reduced political activity in the sector.

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Owners and Drivers Association echoed similar sentiments. Its Chairman, Sudil Jayaruk, stated that the recent petrol price cut was insufficient to lower three-wheeler fares, citing high operational expenses and minimal impact from the current fuel revision.

Following CPC’s move, Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and Sinopec also announced matching reductions in fuel prices. However, transport sector representatives insist that the cuts are too small to benefit commuters through lower fares.