Private Bus Operators Request 5% Fare Hike Following Fuel Price Increase

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has formally requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement an interim bus fare revision. Citing recent increases in diesel prices, LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne stated that the association is seeking a 5% fare increase to take effect soon, ahead of the annual revision scheduled for July. Wijeratne also noted that the minimum bus fare should be raised to Rs. 32 or Rs. 33 to offset rising operational costs. The association highlighted that diesel prices have collectively increased by Rs. 25 over the past two months, impacting operators' ability to run services profitably.