Autos Demand Fare Increase Following CNG Price Hike
In light of a recent hike in the price of compressed natural gas (CNG), autorickshaw unions in Pune have called for an increase in fares to offset the rising operational costs. The unions have formally requested a ₹3 increase in the base fare, which they claim is necessary to balance the ₹2 per kilogram hike in CNG prices. The price adjustment, announced by Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) on Friday, took effect just a day before the declaration of the state assembly poll results.
In light of a recent hike in the price of compressed natural gas (CNG), autorickshaw unions in Pune have called for an increase in fares to offset the rising operational costs. The unions have formally requested a ₹3 increase in the base fare, which they claim is necessary to balance the ₹2 per kilogram hike in CNG prices. The price adjustment, announced by Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) on Friday, took effect just a day before the declaration of the state assembly poll results.
The new CNG price in Pune, including areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad, Chakan, Talegaon, and Hinjewadi, now stands at ₹87.90 per kilogram, which has added a significant burden to auto drivers. Union leaders are particularly concerned about the financial strain that the increase will place on drivers who typically consume 2-3 kilograms of CNG per day.
“We have written to the transport department urging them to raise the per-kilometre fare to accommodate the hike in CNG prices,” said a representative from the All India Petrol Dealers’ Association. Additionally, union members anticipate further CNG price hikes in the near future, predicting an additional ₹2-₹4 increase per kilogram.
The impact of the CNG price hike on auto rickshaw drivers’ earnings is expected to be severe, as the daily cost of filling CNG in their vehicles has already risen substantially. With further price hikes anticipated, unions are pushing for a fare adjustment to help drivers maintain their livelihoods.
Ali Daruwalla, president of the All India Petrol Dealers’ Association, described the CNG price hike as a temporary measure driven by international factors. He reassured that fuel prices, including CNG, petrol, and diesel, would likely decrease in the near future.
Despite these concerns, the unions are keen to address the immediate financial challenges faced by autorickshaw drivers, urging the transport department to act quickly in approving the fare hike to offset rising operational costs.
Sources By Agencies
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