The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) has raised alarm over the continued use of kerosene-mixed fuel in private buses, warning that the illegal practice is causing serious environmental damage despite recent fare revisions that have eased operating costs.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, LPBOA President Gemunu Wijerathne said that the police had recently detected around 100 buses operating on kerosene, but insisted the actual number was far higher. He said the latest fare revision had enabled operators to cover their expenses, but many bus owners continue to instruct drivers to mix kerosene with diesel as a routine practice.

He acknowledged that using kerosene damages bus engines over time, but said that operators are primarily motivated by the additional daily profits generated through fuel adulteration.

Kerosene is currently priced at Rs 285 per litre, compared with approximately Rs 382 per litre for diesel, making the illegal practice financially attractive.

The LPBOA had previously claimed that operators turned to kerosene because bus fares had not been revised in line with rising operating costs. However, Wijeratne said that explanation no longer applies following the latest fare increase.

Last week, police launched islandwide inspections and detected around 100 passenger buses operating on kerosene instead of diesel. Police stated that investigations are continuing and legal action has already been initiated. Fuel samples collected from several other buses have also been forwarded to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for laboratory analysis.