Gas price up,taximen plan to seek fare hike

After the central government raised the price of natural gas last week,the citys taxi unions are planning to demand a hike in fares by Rs 3-5.

After the central government raised the price of natural gas last week,the citys taxi unions are planning to demand a hike in fares by Rs 3-5. The union is awaiting the revised price of CNG which may be officially announed by Mahanagar Gas Ltd that supplies the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the city and neighbourhood areas.

The Cabinet had raised price of the gas produced from the fields given to the ONGC and Oil India without bidding,from $1.79 per unit to $4.20,to help these companies recover their costs of operation. As per the calculation of the union,the upward revision in the price of the gas would be by Rs 7.50 with the incremental taxes and other charges.

Were waiting for MGL to announce the revised rates following which we will want hike. If it is not conceded,we would protest and go on a strike. As per our calculations,the rates will go up by Rs 7-7.50. Weve not finalised on the exact fare hike as we dont have the revised figures. It may be between Rs 3 to Rs 5, said A L Quadros,general secretary,Mumbai Taximens Union. At present,the price of the CNG in the city is Rs 24.65 a kilo.

Quadros,who heads the citys largest taxi union,said they would demand a hike in fare not only due to the increase in the CNG price but also due to other corresponding cost increase. The consumer price index has gone up. Maintenance cost of vehicles is on the rise. The standard of living in a mega city has gone up due to the inflation. So hike in fare is justified.

Meanwhile,the citys autorickshaw operators too would press in for a fare hike. There would be hike in the piped cooking gas. Even the transport body may hike bus fare.

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