Although the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation took steps to reduce the price of a liter of 92 octane petrol by Rs. 20 to Rs. 414 and a liter of auto diesel by Rs. 25 to Rs. 382 from midnight yesterday, the All Island School Children Transport Association and Three Wheeler Associations say that a revision in the rates is not possible due to the increase in the prices of all materials including vehicle spare parts.
Chairman of the School Children Transport Association Lalith Chandrasiri expressed his views in this regard.
“Everyone hopes that the transport fares of school children will be reduced by reducing the price of diesel by Rs. 25. They say that when it increases, it increases and when it decreases, it does not reduce. But at this time, it is difficult for us to reduce the fares.
Because the price of lubricant oil, which was 1,100, has increased to 1,500. Tires have increased by Rs. 600. The price of spare parts has also increased. The government should intervene to prevent such price increases. If we want to reduce our fares, the prices of these should also be reduced. Otherwise, we will not be able to continue this service by reducing these fares. Therefore, we regretfully announce that we have no way of revising the fares at this time.”