Three-wheeler fares and school transport service fees to remain unchanged despite fuel price reduction

School transport service fares and three-wheeler hire charges will not be reduced despite yesterday’s reduction in fuel prices, relevant associations have announced.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) reduced the prices of Auto Diesel and Octane 92 petrol, with effect from midnight yesterday (29).Accordingly, the price of a litre of Octane 92 petrol was reduced by Rs. 20 to Rs. 414, while the price of a litre of Auto Diesel was reduced by Rs. 25 to Rs. 382.Meanwhile, the CPC stated that the prices of Octane 95 petrol, Super Diesel, and kerosene would remain unchanged.However, the All Ceylon School Children Transport Association stated that a reduction in school transport fares cannot be implemented at present due to the continued increase in the prices of vehicle spare parts and other related costs.The President of the Association, Lalith Chandrasiri said that although the public expects fares to be reduced following a fuel price reduction, operating costs have increased significantly.He noted that the price of lubricants, which was previously around Rs. 1,100, has increased to approximately Rs. 1,500, while tyre prices and spare part costs have also risen.Chandrasiri said that government intervention is required to address the increase in these expenses, adding that reducing fares without addressing rising operational costs would make it difficult for operators to continue providing the service.He stated that the association regrets being unable to revise fares at present due to the increase in overall operating costs.