Bus fares to hike by 50% if CPC diesel prices increased

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA)and the Inter Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association (IPPBOA) today claimed that they will go for a bus fare increase if the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) increases their diesel prices.

The LPBOA and IPPBOA said the government should seek immediate solutions to the price increase of these essential commodities.

LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathe and IPPBA Secretary Anjana Priyanjith said that they could not refuel their buses from Lanka IOC filling stations due to the increase in fuel prices.

The government should immediately implement the program allowing people to get the required diesel from the depots owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

According to Anjana Priyanjith, if diesel prices rise, total bus fares, including the minimum bus fare, should rise by 50%.

Meanwhile, Gemunu Wijeratne said that he had informed the ministry in this regard. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)