A fresh surge in Compressed Natural Gas prices across the Delhi-NCR region has triggered widespread agitation among autorickshaw and taxi drivers, who argue that their operational margins have been severely squeezed. Transport unions have issued a stern warning that if the Delhi government fails to implement a much-needed fare revision, drivers will go on a strike starting September 9. This latest escalation in fuel expenses has compounded the financial distress of commercial vehicle operators, who find themselves caught between soaring running costs and strictly government-regulated passenger fares that refuse to budge.
Indraprastha Gas Limited Imposes Fresh Price Hike
Indraprastha Gas Limited has hiked the price of CNG by Rs 3.89 per kg, pushing the retail rate in Delhi to Rs 86.98 per kg effective from Saturday. Transport representatives pointed out that this latest upward revision comes on top of an already steep cumulative increase, noting that CNG prices have climbed by roughly Rs 10 to Rs 11 per kg over the past two to three months alone, placing an unprecedented burden on the commercial transport sector.
Severe Toll on Daily Earnings of Drivers
For professional autorickshaw and cab drivers, fuel represents a critical daily operating expense. Unlike private vehicle owners who use their cars intermittently, commercial drivers keep their meters running for several hours each day, clocking significant distances across the metropolis to secure a livelihood. Consequently, even a modest addition of a few rupees to every single kilogram of CNG translates into an immediate and noticeable dent in their daily take-home earnings, especially when regulatory constraints prevent them from passing these costs on to commuters.
Mounting Operational Burdens and Frozen Fares
Beyond fuel, commercial drivers must constantly juggle a wide array of mandatory financial obligations to keep their vehicles on the road. These include servicing vehicle loans, paying for regular repairs and maintenance, clearing insurance premiums, acquiring permits, and managing various miscellaneous overheads. With passenger fare structures remaining completely frozen by regulatory authorities, any upward movement in fuel prices directly shrinks the net profit margin left for the driver after accounting for all daily expenses.
Union Ultimatum and Demand for Immediate Intervention
Transport unions firmly maintain that the recent price adjustment must be evaluated alongside the cumulative hikes rather than treated as an isolated Rs 3.89 increase. Industry stakeholders emphasize that the compounding rise of Rs 10 to Rs 11 per kg over a short span of two to three months has rendered current fare structures completely unviable. Unless the administration steps in promptly to revise fare charts and provide tangible financial relief, the transport associations have confirmed that drivers will proceed with their planned strike on September 9.
