Fuel price hike sparks higher fare demand, UT says no

TNN

Chandigarh: In the aftermath of increase in the rate of the petrol and diesel, pressure is mounting on the Chandigarh administration to increase stipulated rates of taxis, aggregator cabs and autos. However, UT officials said there are no plans to do so. They also ruled out an immediate increase in CTU ticket prices.

Chandigarh auto union president Anil Kumar said, “We will be increasing rates for a ride in autos plying in the Tricity. Price of CNG has increased. The last time the administration increased the rate was more than two years ago. Electricity charging cost for e-autos has also increased. It is high time rates are increased. However, we will also oppose fleecing of consumers by auto drivers. Consumers can approach us or the police in this matter.”

Aggregator cab drivers have also demanded an increase in rentals to cope with increased costs. Vikram Singh Pundir, president, Tricity Cab Drivers Welfare Association, Chandigarh, said, “It is for the administration to increase stipulated rates. As per the aggregator policy, the administration is bound to increase charges in line with mounting costs.”

Nitish Singla, secretary, state transport authority, said, “There is no proposal to increase cab/auto charges. The administration is closely monitoring the situation.”

For the industrial sector, the cost of raw materials linked to the petroleum industry have already been increasing.

Naveen Manglani, vice-president, Chamber of Chandigarh Industries, said, “Cost of raw materials like steel has increased by 20% and that of plastics has doubled since the start of the Middle East war. The latest increase in retail price of petrol and diesel will have limited impact in the short-term.”

However, he expressed apprehension of more price hikes to come. “The govt is still absorbing a lot of price increase of fuel in the international market but this may be passed on to the consumers in phases in the coming days or months. Overall, it will add to inflation in the country,” said Manglani.

Transporters contend that in the short-term, increased costs would not be immediately passed on to consumers.

BOX: Fuel Prices in Chandigarh (per litre)

Petrol

Old: Rs 94.3

New: Rs 97.2

Diesel

Old: Rs 82.4

New: Rs 85.2