New Delhi: The latest CNG price hike in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai may soon hit commuters directly in their wallets, with autorickshaw and cab fares likely to go up in the coming days. In Delhi-NCR, CNG prices have been increased by Rs 2 per kg, while in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the rate has been hiked to Rs 84 per kg after a similar Rs 2 increase.
The Delhi Auto Rickshaw Union and the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union wrote a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stating that rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance and increasing operational expenses were pushing drivers under “severe financial pressure”.
The rise comes at a time when fuel prices across the board are under pressure due to the ongoing energy crisis linked to tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global supply chains.
Delhi auto and taxi Unions propose major fare hike
If the proposed hike is approved, it could significantly increase the cost of daily short-distance travel across Delhi the unions have proposed raising the minimum fare for auto-rikshaws from Rs 30 to Rs 50 for the first 1.5 km. They have also demanded an increase in the per-kilometer charge after the minimum distance from Rs 11 to Rs 15. for auto rickshaws.
The unions have also sought a hike in fares for non-AC taxis from Rs 17 to Rs 30 per kilometer and for AC taxis from Rs 25 to Rs 40 per kilometer. For taxis, the proposed revision includes increasing the minimum fare for the first kilometer from Rs 40 to Rs 70.
How CNG prices affect public transport
Autorickshaws and a large number of city taxis shifted to CNG over the years because it was significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel. Lower fuel costs helped drivers survive despite rising maintenance expenses and unstable incomes. But that gap is narrowing quickly.
Every Rs 1-2 increase in CNG prices substantially raises the running cost of autos and taxis that travel long distances daily. Drivers say the burden becomes difficult to absorb because fuel is their biggest operational expense.
In Mumbai alone, lakhs of autorickshaws and taxis run on CNG. Transport unions estimate that the latest hike could increase operating costs by more than Rs 1 per kilometer for many drivers.
The Delhi government has not yet publicly responded to the latest demand.
(Curated by: Faiza Nazar)