The Ministry of Energy says private bus owners can obtain necessary fuel for operations from the nearest Sri Lanka Transport Board-owned depots.
The Ministry has accordingly requested bus operators not to obtain fuel from ordinary filling stations.
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the daily fuel requirement to run SLTB and private buses is 600MT and they have taken measures to release necessary stocks without any restrictions.
He said if additional fuel is required, the SLTB can make a request.
Speaking to media in Kandy, Minister Wijesekera said therefore private bus operators should not visit ordinary filling stations from tomorrow.
He said they have also discussed and received consent from the SLTB to provide fuel to several other groups through its depots.
The Energy Minister noted that buses and vans that are used to transport international tourists, vehicles that transport children to schools and office transport vehicles can also obtain diesel from SLTB depot.
Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said therefore no one can claim that public transport services are affected by the on-going fuel shortage.
He also requested operators not to misuse the provisions granted to specific groups.
