With CNG prices having risen by Rs 12.5 per kg since March, auto and taxi drivers in the city have threatened to go on an "indefinite strike" from April 18 if the Government doesn't provide subsidy on the fuel or increase fares.
CNG prices in the national Capital on Thursday were hiked by Rs 2.50 per kilogram - the 10th increase in rates in the last one month, taking the cost to now Rs 69.11 per kg. Associations of auto and taxi drivers will hold protests against the Centre as well as the Delhi Government at Jantar Mantar on Friday and at the Delhi Secretariat on April 11 against the hikes.
Many people have taken to social media to complain that cab drivers are saying that the vehicle’s AC isn’t working or refusing to switch it on outright despite the sweltering heat in the Capital, and some are asking for extra money for switching on the AC.
Sarvodaya Drivers Welfare Association vice-president Ravi Rathor, who claims to have around four lakh drivers as members in Delhi-NCR, said that his association will go on an “indefinite strike” if their demands to reduce CNG prices or increase fares are not fulfilled.
"We are demanding a reduction in CNG rates and if the prices cannot be slashed then the fare should be increased to cope with the price rise. There has been no revision in Ola and Uber fares for the last 7-8 years. In the protest tomorrow we will also take a call on an indefinite strike," Rathor said.
Rajendra Soni, Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh's general secretary, said that the price hike in rates of CNG is "unprecedented" and it is becoming hard for cab and auto drivers to survive.
Around one lakh auto rickshaws are currently plying in the city. Soni said that his association has written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to provide a subsidy of Rs 35 per kg on CNG. "We will go on an indefinite strike from April 18 if our demand is not met. We have also decided to stage a symbolic protest at the secretariat on April 11 to oppose the price hike," Soni said.
He said that the representatives of other auto and taxi unions such as the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union and the All Delhi Auto Taxi Transporters Congress Union will also participate in protests and the strike. Delhi's public transport, including autos, taxis and buses, is majorly CNG driven. Soni further said that when the city Government can provide subsidy on electricity and water, it can afford to give a breather to auto and cab drivers as well. "The Government is giving discount on liquor then why cannot they give subsidy on CNG prices? This is a public welfare decision which the governments should not hesitate to take," Soni said.
Delhi-NCR Transport Ekta Manch general secretary Shyam Sundar also said that his association opposes the hike in CNG and other fuel prices and demanded that the Centre and the city Government reduce the fuel prices.