Bus fares likely to rise by 15% following diesel price hike

Colombo, March 22 (Daily Mirror) — Bus fares are expected to increase by at least 15 percent following the recent surge in diesel prices, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) said.

LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said that the minimum bus fare will be revised, with the new rates for both minimum and long-distance fares to be announced today.

Despite the recent increase in the fuel quota, Wijeratne noted that operators are struggling to manage rising operational costs without a fare revision.

He further claimed that a significant number of private buses have already ceased operations due to the sharp increase in fuel prices, warning of further disruptions if relief measures are not implemented.

The price of a litre of Lanka Auto Diesel was increased by Rs. 79 last night, bringing the new price to Rs. 382.