July 01, Colombo (LNW): A proposed cut in bus fares, originally scheduled to take effect from today (01), has been put on hold following a sudden rise in fuel costs.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) confirmed that the anticipated 2.5 per cent reduction will no longer be implemented, citing the recent hike in diesel prices as the driving factor behind the reversal.
Late on June 30, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) announced an increase in fuel prices, including a Rs. 15 jump in the cost of auto diesel — a key expense for public transport operators.
This prompted immediate concern within the transport sector, leading the NTC to reconsider the fare revision.
In a brief statement, the NTC explained that the revised pricing of fuel has directly affected the calculations used to determine public transport tariffs. As a result, the previously announced fare reduction was deemed unfeasible under current conditions.
A spokesperson for the Commission noted that a new fare structure is under urgent review and is expected to be made public later in the day. Until then, fares will remain unchanged.
