Private buses allowed to get diesel from SLTB depots: Minister

Due to shortage in diesel in fuel stations, private buses are allowed to get the required diesel from the depots owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).
Pix by Nisal Baduge  

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama

Private buses are allowed to get the required diesel from the depots owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) from Saturday (5), Transport Minister Dilum Amunugama said. 

He said 45 SLTB depots across the country are allowed to provide diesel for private buses.

"Adequate diesel has already been supplied to the above depots and we are hoping that more fuel will be supplied to the remaining depots across the country," he said. The ministry is hoping to supply adequate diesel for buses engaged in the tourism industry, Minister Amunugama said.

Meanwhile, SLTB Deputy General Manager Panduka Swarnasinghe said the private buses which are operating within the vicinity of certain SLTB depots will be required to produce their route permit to get diesel. A 150 litre cap on diesel supply for long distance buses, and 100 litres for short distance buses, he said. After receiving the ordered fuel, the private buses will be able to get the required volume Swarnasinghe said.