It is not an April fool joke, another hike in auto fares could become a reality due to a steep hike in auto LPG prices by Rs 6.80 per litre, announced on April 1.
In March, auto fare per kilometer was revised from Rs. 9 to Rs. 11; the minimum auto charge was changed to 1.8 kilometers from two kilometers.
The minimum charge for boarding an auto now is Rs. 20 from Rs.17. But this could see a change too with escalation in auto LPG prices.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, president of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union, Meenakshi Sundaram said, “A steep hike in the price of auto LPG comes as a terrible shock to us. We demand that the state and Union Governments reduce taxes on auto LPG.
We have decided to protest on Monday and will initiate talks with government and other auto unions to decide our future course of action.”
Recently, auto fares were revised because of a hike in LPG and auto oil prices, which together have reached Rs.60 mark.
The authorities dealing with the price hike issue made it clear that the next hike will only happen when prices reach Rs 70.
“It is not only that LPG price has gone up. The price of an autorickshaw has increased by Rs 3,000. Auto insurance rates have gone up. But as per the conditions imposed by the authorities, the next hike will happen only after two years,” said President of the Bangalore Auto Drivers Union, Somashekar.