- LPBOA to strike over fuel supply issues
- Tuk unions, ride-hailing firms seek higher allocations
In the wake of a proposed increase of over 10% in bus fares being scheduled for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers today (23), the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) stated that its members island-wide would refrain from operating buses due to inadequate fuel supplies.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced yesterday (22) that a bus fare increase of more than 10% was assessed following the recent fuel price hike, and the proposal was scheduled to be submitted for Cabinet approval today.
Meanwhile, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday evening, LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne said that they would launch a nationwide strike today, claiming the Government had failed to implement a mechanism to provide bus owners with adequate fuel. “The Government makes announcements saying the fuel quota has been increased. But we do not receive enough fuel. We cannot operate buses with 10-20 litres of fuel,” he said.
Moreover, the National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers’ Association requested the Government to approve a Rs. 20 increase in the fare applicable to the first kilometre of three-wheeler travel. The announcement was made by the Association’s General Secretary, L. Rohana Perera, during a press conference held yesterday.
He said that repeated fuel price revisions had placed an unbearable burden on drivers. He added the industry was currently facing a double strain, with drivers struggling with rising fuel costs as well as limited fuel availability. He also noted that the proposed fare revision applied specifically to the first kilometre and could be effectively implemented only by drivers operating regulated fare meters.
The country’s leading app-based ride-hailing platforms Uber and PickMe jointly urged the Government to provide additional support to maintain transportation and delivery services amid ongoing fuel constraints.
In a joint media statement, the companies stated that ride-hailing and delivery services play a critical role in helping the public access transport, food, and other essential services. They stated that higher fuel quotas were required for their most active driver and delivery partners in order to sustain operations.
Through monitoring trip volumes and driver and courier engagement, the platforms noted that fuel could be utilised more efficiently, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicle usage for essential travel needs. The companies further stated that, in addition to supporting essential services, ride-hailing platforms continued to contribute to the tourism industry and support the livelihoods of thousands of drivers and delivery personnel.
“We welcome the Government’s decision to increase regular fuel quotas from 21 March onwards as a positive step towards easing current constraints. However, given the essential role played by platform drivers in maintaining mobility and delivery services across the country, the revised quotas remain insufficient to sustain operations at the required scale,” the joint statement said.