JOIN USAutorickshaw drivers’ unions are planning to hold a daylong strike next week in Mysore and Bangalore to protest the steep hike in auto LPG price that came into effect on Wednesday midnight.
Barely 12 days after the government hiked the minimum fare from Rs 20 to Rs 25, the increase in the prices of auto LPG by Rs 11 a litre has come as a big jolt for both the auto drivers as well as commuters.
While the auto drivers were not too pleased with the quantum of hike in auto fares, the sudden increase in fuel price has forced them to lament further. Speaking with Deccan Herald, Adarsh Auto Drivers’ Union president Manjunath said: “The hike in fare was only Rs 5 as against our demand of Rs 10. With the auto gas price being hiked by Rs 11, everyday we stand to lose Rs 70-80.
We are planning a strike in support of our demands next Monday.”
Suresh, an auto driver, said: “As it is, the business has been hit due to various options available to commuters such as cabs and BMTC buses. Now, the hike in auto LPG price coupled with auto fare hike will ultimately affect the passengers.”
Surekha, a commuter said: “As if the auto fare hike was not enough to create a dent in our pockets, the government has hiked the auto LPG price as well.” The oil companies said the hike is a direct impact of rise in the prices of crude oil in the international market and the government cannot be blamed for it.