Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says plans are currently in place to increase the price of kerosene oil in the future.
Speaking during a media briefing today, Minister Wijesekera said a programme will be formulated to prevent irregularities in the quality of fuel.
The Minister said kerosene oil that should be distributed to fishermen, agriculture workers, and low-income earners is being gathered for the use of the bus industry.
He noted although buses have been requested to obtain fuel from depots, a certain number of buses use kerosene oil for operations.
Minister Wijesekera said bus fares continue to increase; while a litre of kerosene oil remains fixed at Rs.87.
He said an increase in kerosene prices will take place in the future.
Minister Wijesekera said the President advised the grant of a cash subsidy to low-income earners to support the increase in the cost of kerosene oil adding those who misuse kerosene will then cease usage.
On a separate note, Minister Wijesekera said he will request the Minister of Education to restrict school activities next week as well.
He noted that schools in and around Colombo were not conducted physically last week and added it would be wise to further restrict the number of days classes are conducted from schools.
The Minister said steps could be taken to provide electricity until a certain time to ensure online classes are not disrupted.
The Minister further requested the private sector to allow employees to work from home given the prevalent situation.
