The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association charges that authorities are yet to respond to their demands.
Co-Secretary of the Association DV Shantha Silva said the strike action has been a success and will continue.
The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association withdrew from operations as of midnight against the failure to increase transportation costs in comparison to the increase in fuel prices.
Discussions with the subject Minister last afternoon pertaining to a 60 percent increase in fares demanded by private fuel bowser owners ended in a stalemate.
Silva said the Constitution ensures the protection of their rights adding that the organisation is a registered body.
He, therefore, challenged the Minister to revoke their licenses if possible.
Silva commenting on a statement by Minister of Energy Kanchana Wijesekera that 381 fuel bowsers engaged in fuel distribution as of 4pm yesterday said, less than 100 bowsers set out for deliveries yesterday and accused the Minister of speaking of older statistics.
Silva said their demands include a revision in transportation fares in line with the fuel price revision, as fuel prices increased abnormally.
He noted that prices of tyre tubes, spare parts, and oil have increased by 300 percent, adding that employee salaries too must be increased.
