Spillover effects reported from many sectors

One of the many protest scenes witnessed across the country

Several main roads, namely the Colombo-Kandy road and the Colombo-Chilaw road have been blocked by protesters since last morning

With yet another fuel price increase being announced by the country’s main fuel retailers, its effects have spilled over to many sectors, including public transport and food supply chains.  

Even though the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) earlier maintained that there would be no increase in their fuel prices, a fuel price increase was announced overnight on Monday, citing the global fuel price hikes. Meanwhile Lanka IOC, the Indian Oil Corporation supplier in Sri Lanka raised petrol prices this week, making it the fifth fuel price hike within three months.   

Subsequently, the All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) has decided to increase the price of lunch packets by 20% from the current price, as the vendors mostly depend on three-wheelers and mini trucks for transportation and delivery of lunch packets and other food items. The All Island School Van Operators’ Association (AISVOA) also claimed that they were compelled to increase the school van fares by Rs. 1,000 from next month. Meanwhile, the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITWDA) said that they were unable to increase the three-wheeler fares after every fuel price increase and requested their members to go for a three-wheeler fare hike after discussions with the consumers. “We cannot depend on the taxi metre ratings and we cannot change the fares in response to every fuel hike,” the union said.  

Prima Ceylon (Pvt) Limited also increased the price of wheat flour by Rs. 40 with immediate effect following the recent fuel price increase, which directly affected the bakery industry. Accordingly, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association (ACBOA) said the price of a 450g loaf of bread increased by Rs. 30 from last night, and other bakery items by Rs. 10. They said that the decision was taken due to the recent fuel price increase and the increase in wheat flour.  

Moreover, several private bus owners yesterday held a discussion with the Transport Minister about the increase in bus fares. After lengthy discussions, a 35% bus fare revision was approved with the increase of the minimum bus fare to Rs. 27. More people and bus operators were seen protesting around the country while blocking the main roads as a result of the sudden increase in fuel prices by the CPC on Monday night.   

Moreover, several protests were witnessed across the country, especially in major towns. Several main roads, namely the Colombo-Kandy road and the Colombo-Chilaw road have been blocked by protesters since last morning. Trains on the main line were delayed as the protesters were blocking the railway line in the Rambukkana area. Also, buses were unable to proceed on their journeys on the Chilaw-Colombo main road as protesters thronged the road.     

Matara

Rambukkana