Van bus operators warn of shutdowns as diesel and terminal fees climb

Intercity bus operators in Van say rising diesel prices, terminal entry and exit fees, and highway and bridge tolls have sharply increased their operating costs. Their representatives said they are struggling to cover expenses and that some companies could be forced to shut down.

Diesel at 110 lira a litre

Bus operator representative Hüseyin Tekin said diesel now costs 110 lira per litre. By his calculation, a vehicle burns about 1,000 litres of diesel on a round trip between Van and Istanbul. Fuel alone comes to 110,000 lira. With other costs included, a single round trip costs around 140,000 lira. Tekin said a ticket to Istanbul sells for 2,500 lira.

Sezer Yavuz said diesel leaves almost nothing from fare revenue, and that operators cannot cover costs once terminal exit fees are added. Yavuz warned that many companies may soon have to suspend services.

Operators seek support

Metin Olgun said companies are losing money because of the combined burden of highway, terminal, bridge and diesel costs, along with staff, penalty and social security (SGK) payments. In his view, ticket prices are very low, the situation is worse than last year, and even full buses do not cover the costs. Olgun said many companies could stop functioning within a few months.

The representatives said officials are aware of the situation but that no intervention, assistance or support has so far been forthcoming. Local tradesmen asked for a solution to fuel costs. The diesel price and cost figures in the report are based on statements from the companies' representatives.