Miranda said long distance buses will be given around 125-150 litres of diesel at a time.

The minister of transport has approved the price revision with the recommendation of the NTC.

"In the annual price revision, 12 factors including the fuel prices will be taken into consideration."

“Even today fewer than 10 per cent of buses are running. Drivers are on strike because they have no fuel."

Private buses now spend a longer time at bus stops waiting for passengers in an attempt to cover costs.

The minister said that the new train will be a welcome addition for office workers.

“There’s a loss of 300,000 rupees for just one trip,” he said.

Wijeratne said bus service operators may have to halt their services even after the hartal.

"The railway department had made some reforms to the prices of special and intercity train ticket," he said.

“The crisis has scared a few customers and they would pump petrol even if the tanks were full," he said.