Estate unions yesterday lamented over the increase in the price of kerosene from Rs.76 to Rs.111 saying that it would further burden the estate sector which was getting by with great difficulty.

“The authorities have increased fuel prices without considering the difficulties we have. We are already suffering. This will only create more difficulties for us,” Lanka Estate Workers Union General Secretary S. Ramanadan said.

A majority of homes in the estate sector utilise kerosene as only about 30 per cent have access to electricity while most homes use kerosene for cooking. The increase in diesel and petrol prices would mostly affect school children many of whom travel a great distance to get to school, he said.

“The salaries earned by estate workers are very low and many of them live backward lifestyles. They will be further pushed in it with no way to improve their lives,” he said. Ramanadan said the government should seek ways to provide relief to the people by controlling the rising cost of living and providing subsidies for them. (Olindhi Jayasundere)