Three-wheeler unions yesterday said further increase in prices of petrol by Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) at a time when there are shortages at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC)-run fuel sheds is a major hit for their daily income.

All Island Three Wheeler Drivers and Owners Association (AITWDOA) Media Secretary Kapila Galapitage pointed out that LIOC petrol prices have been increased by Rs. 49 overnight without any warning, making the situation worse for them.

He said a litre of petrol which was previously sold at Rs. 130 not so long ago is now being sold at Rs. 304.

“Since there was no fuel at CPC-run stations, they were compelled to fill the tanks from LIOC stations yesterday morning. How can we earn from a hire and at what price do we start the hire? We also understand that people are grappling with the rising costs,” he said. 

The AITWDOA Media Secretary said as around 850,000 three-wheeler operators are being burdened by the inaction and insensitivity of the Government, they will now be forced to steal, as they cannot further absorb the current rates

Galapitage argued whether this is the concession the Government promised to grant the public. 

“Although the present administration came to power promising concessions and prosperity, today people are being burdened severely and left to die. The Government is waiting for them to respond or they will increase the price to Rs. 1,000 a litre,” he claimed.

Although they do not have faith in the Government, on behalf of nearly one million families dependent on daily income earned from three-wheel hires, Galapitage urged authorities to take prompt action and save their livelihood.

Crises shut over 1,000 bakeries, halve canteens countrywide