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Private Bus Unions Demand 5% Fare Hike Following Diesel Price Increases
The Pulse
EconomyPoliticsHOTSunday, May 31, 2026

Private Bus Unions Demand 5% Fare Hike Following Diesel Price Increases

TLDR

  • Bus operators demand 5% fare hike due to Rs. 25 diesel price rise.

  • Requesting one-month fuel subsidy from Transport Ministry.

  • Meeting held June 4th; urgent ministerial talks pending.

  • Annual fare revision set for July 2nd.

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.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 Jun 4 · 7:31 AM

A discussion regarding bus fare increases due to recent diesel price hikes was held on June 4th at the Ministry of Transport and Highways. Bus union representatives were informed by the Private Secretary to the Minister of Transport that an urgent meeting with the Minister would be arranged. The discussion comes after diesel prices rose by a total of Rs. 25 per liter in May, making operations difficult for private bus operators. Reports indicate private bus unions are demanding a 5% fare hike.

Update #2\u00b7 Jun 2 · 2:18 PM

Bus associations have unanimously decided to request a one-month fuel subsidy from the government. This request is scheduled to be submitted to the Transport Ministry tomorrow (June 4th), prior to the annual bus fare revision on July 2nd. Lanka Private Bus Operators Association President Gamunu Wijeratne stated that operating buses may become more difficult without this support.

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