Delhi Auto, Taxi fares may rise after CNG price hike sparks union demand

Auto-rickshaw and taxi fares in Delhi may soon see an increase after transport unions demanded an urgent revision following a fresh hike in CNG prices in the national capital.

The demand comes after CNG rates in Delhi were increased by ₹2 per kg, taking prices close to ₹80 per kg. The unions have argued that rising fuel costs, coupled with higher maintenance and operational expenses, have placed drivers under severe financial pressure.

In a letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Union and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union stated that the latest fuel hike is the third in just over a year, adding to already rising costs faced by drivers.

They said the increase in CNG prices has significantly raised the cost of vehicle operations, along with rising prices of tyres, spare parts, engine oil and other essentials.

The proposed fare revision includes a sharp increase in auto-rickshaw fares, with the minimum fare for the first 1.5 km suggested to rise from ₹30 to ₹50, and the per-kilometre charge to increase from ₹11 to ₹15.

For taxis, unions have proposed raising the minimum fare for the first kilometre from ₹40 to ₹70, along with higher per-kilometre rates for both non-AC and AC cabs.

Additional demands include a waiting charge of ₹1 per minute, a luggage fee of ₹25, and retention of the existing 25% night surcharge between 11 pm and 5 am.

Union representatives also highlighted that regulatory costs such as fitness charges for autos and taxis have increased recently, adding further pressure on drivers.

Delhi last revised auto and taxi fares in January 2023 after earlier CNG price hikes. Any fresh revision, if approved by authorities, is expected to impact lakhs of daily commuters who depend on autos and taxis for short-distance travel and last-mile connectivity, especially across metro-linked routes.

The Delhi government has not yet issued an official response to the demand.