Private bus operators have warned that bus fares could increase by nearly 20% during the annual fare revision next month due to rising fuel prices.

Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, noted that operators are facing heavy financial losses and may reduce the number of bus trips to cut costs.

He further stated that written notices on proposed schedule adjustments are being prepared for provincial transport authorities and councils, including those in the Northern and Eastern provinces.