Fuel price surge triggers transport and bakery price adjustments across the country

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Rising fuel prices in Sri Lanka are set to affect multiple sectors, including public transport, three-wheelers, container transport, and bakery products, as associations prepare to adjust fares and prices.  

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association said it will decide today on increasing the prices of bakery items. Association Chairman N. K. Jayawardena explained that the recent fuel price hikes have created significant challenges for the industry, prompting the need for a price revision. The association is expected to announce the new bakery prices following discussions.  

Public transport operators are facing similar pressures. The National Transport Commission (NTC) said that the recent increase in Lanka Auto Diesel prices has pushed bus fares up by more than 10 percent under the official fare formula. NTC Director General Dr. Nilan Miranda said Cabinet approval is scheduled for tomorrow to implement the revised fares.  

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) confirmed that bus fares are expected to increase by at least 15 percent following the diesel price surge. Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said the new rates, covering both minimum and long-distance fares, will be announced today. He noted that despite recent fuel quota increases, operators are struggling to manage rising operational costs, and many private buses have already ceased operations due to the sharp fuel price hikes. Wijeratne warned of further service disruptions if relief measures are not implemented.  

Three-wheeler operators are also seeking fare adjustments. The Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority is expected to announce a fare revision this evening, Authority Chairman Gamini Jayasinghe said. He noted that petrol prices have increased twice this month, rising by a total of Rs. 105, prompting formal requests for a fare increase. A Zoom meeting will be held tonight to determine a fare adjustment that fairly compensates drivers without heavily burdening passengers.  

Supporting the call, the National Joint Three-Wheeler and Industrialists’ Association highlighted the operational strain on drivers. General Secretary L. Rohana Perera proposed a Rs. 20 increase for the first kilometer fare of meter-operated three-wheelers and said the association plans to present its concerns to the Presidential Secretariat.  

In the logistics sector, the Container Transport Owners’ Association (CTOA) announced a 20 percent increase in container transport charges effective last night. CTOA Chairman Sanath Manjula said the fuel price surge has severely impacted the import-export container transport industry. The decision, taken collectively by all associations representing the sector, is being communicated to importers, exporters, and clearing institutions.  

With bakery prices set to rise and transport costs increasing across buses, three-wheelers, and container services, the fuel price surge is expected to have a widespread economic impact, affecting both consumers and service providers nationwide.