World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Transport Ministry suspends bus permits over illegal kerosene fuel use
Authorities have temporarily revoked the operating permits of several bus services discovered using kerosene as fuel in violation of regulations. The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development took action against the operators for the non-compliant fuel practice.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has suspended the route permits of multiple bus operators found to be running their vehicles on kerosene fuel, which contravenes established transport regulations in Sri Lanka.
The suspension represents a crackdown by authorities on non-compliant fuel practices within the inter-city bus transport sector. Officials conducted inspections that uncovered the use of kerosene—a cheaper alternative to approved diesel fuel—as a cost-cutting measure by certain bus operators.
The permit suspensions are temporary pending further action by the ministry. Authorities indicated that operators found violating fuel standards face potential permit cancellations and other enforcement measures designed to ensure all buses meet regulatory requirements.
The move underscores growing concerns about transport safety and emissions compliance across Sri Lanka's bus fleet. The ministry has called on all operators to adhere strictly to prescribed fuel specifications and operational standards.