Bus Fares to Remain Steady Despite Lower Diesel Prices, National Transport Commission Announces

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that bus fares will not be reduced, despite the price reduction of diesel.

NTC Chairman Shashi Welgama said that despite the price of diesel reducing on two separate occasions, the total percentage decrease only amounts to 2.8%.

According to the NTC, a minimum decrease of 4% is required before a reduction in bus fares can be implemented.

Welgama did clarify that an annual bus fare revision is still scheduled for this month.

This revision will not solely focus on the decrease in diesel prices.

Instead, it will take into account a total of twelve factors, including a reduction in the cost of bus spare parts, alongside the decrease in the price of diesel.

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association said that there will be no reduction in bus fares at this time.

Similarly, the All Ceylon School Transport Vans owner's Association, led by Chairman Malsiri de Silva said that even with the lower fuel prices, fares for school transportation cannot be reduced due to the high cost of vehicle spare parts.

The news comes on the heels of a fuel price reduction implemented yesterday.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation reduced prices of several petroleum products with effect from midnight yesterday.

92 Octane Petrol reduced by Rs. 13/- to Rs. 355/-

Lanka Auto Diesel reduced by Rs. 16/- to Rs. 317/-

Kerosene reduced by Rs. 13/- to Rs. 202/-

Prices of 95 Octane Petrol & Super Diesel remain at Rs. 420/- , and Rs. 377/-, per litre, respectively.