Bus fares to rise by 12.19% from tonight

Colombo, March 23 (Daily Mirror) - Bus fares will be increased by 12.19% with effect from 12:01 a.m. on March 24, 2026, following Cabinet approval, in line with the National Tariff Policy, the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced.

The revision comes after a sharp rise in the price of Lanka White Diesel, which increased from Rs. 303 to Rs. 382 per litre on March 22, marking a cumulative increase of Rs. 93 during the relevant period. According to the NTC, this pushed the overall fare index beyond the 4% threshold required to trigger an interim revision.

Accordingly, the minimum bus fare will increase by Rs. 3, from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30. Meanwhile, the maximum fare will see a significant hike of Rs. 263, rising from Rs. 2,159 to Rs. 2,422.

The revision comes after a sharp rise in the price of Lanka White Diesel, which increased from Rs. 303 to Rs. 382 per litre on March 22, marking a cumulative increase of Rs. 93 during the relevant period. According to the NTC, this pushed the overall fare index beyond the 4% threshold required to trigger an interim revision.

The current bus fares, last revised on July 4, 2025, were based on a diesel price of Rs. 289 per litre. Although fuel prices were adjusted several times, those changes did not exceed the threshold needed for a fare increase.

Under the new revision, the minimum bus fare will rise by Rs. 3, from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30, while the maximum fare will increase by Rs. 263, from Rs. 2,159 to Rs. 2,422.

The fare hike will apply to all categories, including normal, semi-luxury, luxury, and super-luxury bus services operating on both expressways and regular highways.

The NTC said the revised fare structure, including the updated fare cycle for general services and inter-provincial routes, is available on its official website.

Authorities have instructed both Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private bus operators to strictly adhere to the approved fares. Legal action will be taken against those charging above the prescribed rates.