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Sri Lanka Fuel Prices Soar Again, Crippling Bus Services Nationwide

Sri Lanka's state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has increased fuel prices for the third time in less than a month, with hikes ranging from 60 to 90 rupees per litre. The sharp rise, including a 31% increase for auto diesel, has prompted the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association to withdraw approximately 90% of private buses from service. Association President Gemunu Wijeratne described the hike as the highest percentage increase on record and stated services would resume only after fares are revised. The National Transport Commission is now calculating new fare structures to address the crisis.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Fuel Price Hike Disrupts Bus Services

  • Third fuel price hike in under a month
  • Diesel price up 31% to 382 rupees/litre
  • 90% of private buses withdrawn from service
  • Operators demand minimum 15% fare increase
  • National Transport Commission revising fares
2 min read

Sri Lanka sees another round of fuel price hike, bus services affected

Sri Lanka raises fuel prices for the third time in a month, causing private bus operators to halt services and demand fare revisions.

"the increase as the highest percentage hike recorded - Gemunu Wijeratne"

Colombo, March 22

Sri Lanka's state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announced a revision of fuel prices.

All fuel products, including auto diesel, petrol and kerosene, saw price hikes ranging from 60 rupees (0.19 US dollars) to 90 rupees per litre effective from midnight on Saturday. Lanka IOC, another major petroleum company in Sri Lanka, said it would align its prices with the revised rates set by the corporation.

This marks the third price hike of fuel in Sri Lanka in less than a month's time. Previously, the country's petroleum companies adjusted fuel prices on February 28 and March 9. The price of auto diesel, for instance, has now reached 382 rupees per litre, compared to the pre-price-hike price of 281 rupees per litre.

Due to the sharp increase in fuel prices, around 90 per cent of privately operated buses were expected to be withdrawn from service on Sunday, according to the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA).

LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne said bus owners had decided not to operate services after fuel prices were raised on March 21, describing the increase as the highest percentage hike recorded. He noted that diesel prices had risen by 31 per cent.

He added that bus services are expected to resume once fares are revised, as operators have indicated that current rates are not sufficient to cover costs under the new fuel pricing. The LPBOA said that a minimum fare increase of 15 per cent is expected.

The National Transport Commission, Sri Lanka's public bus service provider, also said it would implement measures to revise bus fares on March 22, with calculations currently underway.

Bus operators have previously pointed out that several earlier fuel price increases were not followed by fare adjustments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
From 281 to 382 rupees per litre for diesel! That's a massive jump. It shows how dependent their economy is on imports. Our own fuel prices are linked to global crude, but such frequent revisions create so much uncertainty for transport and businesses.
A
Aman W
The bus owners have a point. If input costs rise 31%, you can't run services at old fares. But hiking fares 15% will again hurt passengers. It's a vicious cycle. The authorities should have planned a staggered subsidy or something before the price hike.
S
Sarah B
Having traveled in Sri Lanka, their bus network is the lifeline for millions. A 90% withdrawal is practically a national shutdown. This will have a ripple effect on everything - schools, hospitals, markets. Really hope for stability in our neighboring country.
K
Karthik V
It's a tough situation. While I sympathize, the bus association's method of just stopping services puts immense public pressure, which seems to be their goal. There must be a better way for dialogue than holding commuters hostage. The government needs to be more proactive in managing these transitions.
N
Nisha Z
Feel for the people there. We complain about petrol prices, but at least our public transport fares are somewhat regulated. A 15% minimum fare increase overnight is too much for any household budget to absorb. Wishing strength to our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters.

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