– The National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Manufacturers Association says three-wheeler fares are expected to be increased in line with the fuel price revision that came into effect from midnight on May 30.

According to the association, a proposal has been made to increase the first-kilometre fare for meter-operated three-wheelers in the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts to Rs. 130.General Secretary L. Rohana Perera said the proposal would be officially submitted to the Price Control Committee of the Western Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority for approval.

Addressing the media, Perera noted that petrol prices had risen by a total of Rs. 36 over the last two revisions, including an increase of Rs. 12 during the previous revision and Rs. 24 in the latest adjustment.He said the association had refrained from seeking a fare increase following the earlier Rs. 12 fuel price hike in order to avoid burdening passengers.However, he stressed that the latest increase had made it difficult for operators to continue providing services at existing rates.

Perera also pointed out that the cost of lubricants, grease, engine oil and spare parts essential for three-wheeler operations had increased significantly, further adding to operating expenses.

He warned that the three-wheeler industry could face serious difficulties if fares were not revised to reflect rising costs.

The association also criticised the government’s economic policies, claiming that insufficient attention was being paid to the challenges faced by small-scale transport operators amid reforms linked to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Perera said three-wheeler operators were struggling to cope with increasing costs and called on authorities to provide relief measures for the sector.