Editorial - Fuel price, lies and traffic chaos

8 March 2013 06:30 pm - 1 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

A few days ago we highlighted the manner in which the people were deluded into believing that the recent increase in fuel prices was justified by the increase of crude oil imported from Saudi Arabia. The price quoted by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) was US$113 a barrel. We pointed out that this information was incorrect, as the price quoted was that of Brent crude which is a Premium quality crude and has no bearing on the actual cost of the crude we import from Saudi Arabia. That is of a lower grade and is classified as Western Texas Intermediary and is invariably about US$20 below Brent crude.
The price of Saudi crude was less on Thursday -- $89.80 a barrel.

The people believe the CPC's falsehood because they do not know the real prices which are posted hourly on the internet. As a result, transport costs and the cost of living are soaring.

To make matters worse, many roads in Colombo are being rebuilt and the existing roadway which can hardly contain the current overflow of traffic today is being allocated to widening the pavement. One such case is Darley Road at the junction of Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha. A bus stop has been in existence almost opposite the median strip adjacent to the traffic lights and this has resulted in buses blocking the movement of the traffic flow.

Darley Road is now being dug up on the side of the Fire Brigade and the Bus Stop and this is being allocated for wider pavements. This is a folly, as the number of pedestrians on the existing pavement does not justify any widening. If this is implemented throughout Darley Road chaos will result, as there will be no space for the many school vans to park outside St Joseph’s College.

Worsening this situation, the timing of the traffic lights has been further adjusted resulting in a complete freeze of traffic either way for about 15 seconds per cycle thus causing a huge traffic jam. The loss in fuel alone would work out to millions not to mention the loss of precious time. It is sad that more attention is not given to the management of the flow of traffic at this and other junctions where there are traffic lights.

We urgently need a Central Authority with trained officers for a more rational management of traffic. Most of the traffic lights were set up about 25 years ago and their timing suited traffic conditions at that period, but are not relevant today. These and other problems could be eased if people with basic intelligence are called in to handle them.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 1

dIREsTRAITS Saturday, 09 March 2013 05:27 AM

"intelligence" and "common sense" basic or otherwise clearly does not exist anymore in SL at least in decision making. Hence we are all wasting our energy on halal labels and the likes. Clearly this is how the superpowers are made and people in these superpowers prosper. NOT! How much more dumb and stupid can we get?

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Editorial - Fuel price, lies and traffic chaos

Comments - 1

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

New Visa procedure implemented

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Train fails to halt, crashes onto Colombo Fort platform

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident