Auto-rickshaw and taxi fares could soon go up in Delhi, as transport unions have pressed for an immediate review in the wake of the recent hike in CNG prices in the national capital.
CNG prices in cities like Delhi and Mumbai have risen by 20%. $2 per kilo on Friday. Petrol and diesel prices have also been raised $3 per litre. This is the first rise in fuel prices in more than four years and comes amid a rise in global crude oil prices due to the US-Iran war.
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What is the expected increase in prices?
In a letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Autorickshaw Association and the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Association urged the government to review auto and taxi fares immediately. The unions said the move would help avoid conflicts between passengers and drivers and ease financial pressure on car and taxi operators.
The unions demanded raising the minimum fare for the first 1.5 kilometers $30 l $50. They also demanded an increase in the fare per kilometer $11 l $15.
They also asked for parking fees to be set $1 per minute and additional baggage fees per $25. They said the current night fare rule should remain unchanged, under which passengers are charged a 25% surcharge between 11pm and 5am.
The letter indicated an increase in operational expenses, noting that the fitness fees for taxis had been increased from zero to $800 in February this year. She added that the cost of tyres, engine parts, oils and other spare parts is rising steadily.
CNG, petrol and diesel prices have risen in India
CNG is now priced in Delhi $79.09 per kg, while in Mumbai it costs $84 per kilogram.
Petrol prices in Delhi rose from $94.77 per litre $97.77 per litre. Diesel prices rose from $87.67 per litre $90.67 per litre.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government announced several steps, including working from home for two days a week in government offices, staggered working hours and a ban on official foreign travel for the next year.
The measures were announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to people to conserve fuel and help reduce foreign exchange outflow amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
