Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 29: Transport bodies in Delhi on Saturday demanded an immediate increase in autorickshaw and taxi fares following a sharp rise in CNG prices, warning of a strike on September 9 if their demand is not met.
The price of CNG in Delhi and adjoining cities increased by Rs 3.89 per kg from Saturday, according to Indraprastha Gas Ltd. The company said a significant portion of the gas used for CNG was being sourced through imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), whose spot market prices have risen sharply since the beginning of the West Asia conflict.
Rajendra Soni, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Association and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, urged the Delhi government to raise auto and taxi fares within a week.
"The Delhi government should increase auto and taxi fares with immediate effect within one week, as CNG prices were increased by Rs 3.89 this morning, which has suddenly increased the financial burden on poor drivers," Soni said.
He said CNG prices had already risen over the past two to three months, with the cumulative increase estimated at around Rs 10-11 per kg.
"The government should increase the fares at the earliest or provide a subsidy on CNG prices. If the fares are not increased, we will hold a strike on September 9," Soni said.
The All India Motor and Goods Transport Association also expressed concern over the latest increase, saying higher fuel costs would affect both transport operators and the general public.
"The sudden increase of Rs 3.89 per kg in CNG prices across Delhi-NCR is not merely a matter of higher fuel costs. It will have a direct impact on the pockets of the common man, the transport industry and ultimately the prices of essential commodities," said Rajendra Kapoor, president of the association.
Following Saturday's increase, the price of CNG in Delhi has risen to Rs 86.98 per kg, Kapoor said.
Transport representatives have urged the government to intervene either by revising fares or providing relief on CNG prices to prevent further financial pressure on drivers and contain the impact on transportation costs.