Delhi-NCR CNG Price Hike: Auto, Taxi Drivers Demand Fare Revision After Rs 11 Surge in Fuel Cost

A fresh increase in CNG prices in Delhi-NCR has triggered renewed demands for higher autorickshaw and taxi fares, with transport unions warning of a strike on September 9 if the Delhi government fails to provide relief. The latest price increase has added to the financial pressure on drivers, who say their earnings are being squeezed as fuel costs rise while fares remain regulated.

Delhi-NCR CNG Price Hike: Auto, Taxi Drivers Demand Fare Revision as Fuel Costs Surge

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has increased the price of CNG by Rs 3.89 per kg, taking the rate in Delhi to Rs 86.98 per kg from Saturday. Transport representatives said the latest increase has come after CNG prices had already risen by around Rs 10-11 per kg over the past two to three months.

For autorickshaw and taxi drivers, the issue is not limited to the latest hike. They say the cumulative increase has significantly raised the cost of running their vehicles, while they have limited scope to increase fares on their own because the rates are controlled by the government.

CNG Price Hike in Delhi-NCR: Auto, Taxi Drivers Seek Immediate Fare Revision

For a commercial vehicle driver, fuel is a daily operating expense. Unlike private vehicle owners, auto and taxi drivers use their vehicles for several hours each day and may cover significant distances to earn their income.

As a result, even a few rupees added to the price of every kilogram of CNG can have a noticeable impact on daily earnings. The pressure becomes greater when drivers are unable to increase fares in line with fuel costs.

Apart from CNG, drivers also have to manage expenses such as vehicle loans, repairs, servicing, insurance, permits and other operating costs. With passenger fares remaining unchanged, a rise in fuel prices directly reduces the amount left with drivers after daily expenses.

Transport unions argue that the recent increase needs to be viewed alongside previous price hikes rather than as an isolated Rs 3.89 increase. According to industry representatives, CNG prices have risen by around Rs 10-11 per kg over a period of just two to three months.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual analysts or entities and do not reflect the views of Goodreturns.in or Greynium Information Technologies Private Limited (together referred as "we"). We do not guarantee, endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any content, nor do we provide any investment advice or solicit the purchase or sale of securities. All information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should be independently verified from licensed financial advisors before making any investment decisions.