The fares of buses and three-wheelers engaged in public transportation services will not be reduced despite a slash in fuel prices, bus and three-wheeler associations said.
Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced a reduction in the price of 92 Octane Petrol and Auto Diesel from 09 pm today.
However, the Director General of the National Transport Commission Dr. Nilan Miranda said bus fares will not be reduced in line with the reduction in the diesel price.
Stating that the price of diesel must be reduced by 4% or more for bus fares to be reduced, Dr. Nilan Miranda said the current price reduction is less than the required 4%.
Meanwhile, the President of the All Island three-wheeler Drivers’ and Owners’ Association Sudhil Jayaruk said there is no possibility to reduce three-wheeler fares despite a reduction in the price of 92 Octane Petrol.
Sudhil Jayaruk pointed out that the current fuel quota offered to three-wheelers must be increased if fares are to be amended.
He further said that a request will be made from the government to provide the current weekly fuel quota of 5 litres on a daily basis.
Sudhil Jayaruk added that three-wheeler fares will definitely be reduced if the fuel quota provided to them is increased. (NewsWire)