Delhi auto, taxi drivers seek higher fares amid CNG hike

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A driver getting CNG filled in his autorickshaw amid price rise in New Delhi on Sunday

Auto and taxi drivers in Delhi are demanding higher fares and easier access to electric vehicles (EVs) after Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices rose by nearly ₹4, saying the increase has squeezed their daily earnings amid rising costs of other essential commodities. They are also seeking greater regulation of app-based ride services.

The hike has also prompted several auto and taxi unions to announce strikes and marches in the coming days to press for higher fares per kilometre.

Commercial LPG prices hiked by ₹10 per cylinder, ATF hiked by ₹6.28/litre

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) increased the price of CNG by ₹3.89 per kg from 6 a.m. on Saturday in Delhi-National Capital Region. With this, CNG now costs ₹86.98 per kg in Delhi, marking a total hike of nearly ₹10 since the beginning of this year, when it was ₹77.09 per kg.

Rajiv Chauhan, a 26-year-old auto driver in central Delhi, said his daily expenditure on fuel had increased from ₹308 to ₹344 between January and August. “I drive only for about four to five hours and cover the rest with app-based services,” he added.

Mr. Chauhan said that while the cost of CNG had increased significantly, fares continued to be ₹11 per kilometre, with the first kilometre costing ₹35. “The fares are unrealistic and customers do not want to give more. The app may hike the prices abruptly, but customers are ready to pay that,” he said. He added that despite the uncertain income from app-based services, he had to rely on them for a significant part of the day as most customers were available through these platforms.

Prashant Kumar, a driver in west Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, said his earnings had been affected by rising expenses. “It definitely impacts the number of trips per day. I tend to avoid longer trips now or plan my trips accordingly,” he said.

For Hira Lal, a 65-year-old driver in Janakpuri, the rising CNG prices were only part of the problem, with the cost of other commodities, including sugar and onions, also increasing. “The cost of everything is increasing. We are facing difficulties with LPG cylinders also,” he said.

Haider Ali, former president of the Aam Aadmi Auto Wing, said the drivers were planning to march to the Transport Department office on Rajpura Road on September 3. “We demand that the fares be increased to ₹15 per kilometre and ₹50 for the first kilometre,” he said.

In Gurugram, auto unions have urged the government to provide substantial EV subsidies, charging facilities and cheaper EVs. “If the increase in prices is to force autos to shift to EVs, then these facilities should be made available first,” said Yogesh Sharma, a member of the All India Private Transport Workers Union.

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