Autorickshaw unions in Mumbai have demanded an immediate increase in fares after Mahanagar Gas Limited raised the retail price of compressed natural gas (CNG) by Rs 2 per kilogram across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The company attributed the hike to disruptions in the global energy market caused by the continuing conflict in West Asia. The increase is expected to impact nearly 4.7 lakh autorickshaws, 1.6 lakh taxis, and more than 5 lakh private CNG vehicles operating across the MMR. Transport unions said the fuel price rise has added financial pressure on drivers already burdened by inflation and increasing maintenance expenses.
Soon after the revised prices were announced, autorickshaw unions called for a fare revision, claiming the increase in operational costs had become unsustainable for drivers. “The expenses on fuel have increased by Rs 1.03 per kilometre for autorickshaw drivers. The consumer price index (CPI) has also gone up, impacting overall running costs. Hence, we have demanded a fare hike to the government,” said Thampi Kurien, general secretary of the Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union, as quoted by Hindustan Times. Union representatives stated that the running cost of autorickshaws has increased from Rs 17.14 per kilometre to Rs 18.17 per kilometre following the fuel price revision across the region.
Also Read: CNG Price Hike in Mumbai: MGL Increases Rates by Rs 2 Per Kg in MMR Amid Rising Global Energy Costs
The unions have now sought a Rs 1 increase in autorickshaw fares and a Rs 2 increase in taxi fares to compensate for the higher operational burden. The demand comes at a time when residents are already dealing with rising prices of essential commodities, including groceries, milk, and precious metals, further increasing the cost of living in Mumbai and nearby cities. Transport unions warned that drivers could face severe financial difficulties if fuel prices continue to rise without corresponding fare revisions. They urged the Government of Maharashtra to take an early decision on the proposed fare hike to protect the livelihoods of drivers dependent on daily earnings.
The revised CNG prices came into effect from midnight on May 14, increasing rates in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and nearby areas from Rs 82 per kilogram to Rs 84 per kilogram. According to MGL, the hike was driven by instability in the global energy market due to the Iran-Israel conflict in West Asia, interruptions in international supply chains, rising crude oil prices, and the depreciation of the Indian rupee, all of which increased gas procurement costs. The latest revision also follows the Centre’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre nationwide amid ongoing volatility in global crude oil markets.