CNG Price Hike Triggers Calls for Fare Revisions and EV Subsidies in NCR
Auto and taxi drivers across the Delhi-National Capital Region, including Gurugram, are demanding higher fares and easier access to electric vehicles following a hike in Compressed Natural Gas prices by nearly ₹4 per kg.
Indraprastha Gas Limited increased the price of CNG by ₹3.89 per kg from 6 a.m. on Saturday. With this revision, CNG costs ₹86.98 per kg in Delhi, marking a total increase of nearly ₹10 since the start of the year, when it stood at ₹77.09 per kg. Drivers stated that the sharp rise has significantly reduced their daily earnings amid escalating costs for other essential commodities.
In Gurugram, auto unions have called on the government to provide substantial EV subsidies, adequate charging infrastructure, and cheaper electric vehicles. Yogesh Sharma, a member of the All India Private Transport Workers Union, stated that if the price increases are intended to compel autos to transition to electric vehicles, the necessary supporting facilities should be established first.
Drivers in the region noted that while fuel expenses have steadily climbed, base fares have remained unchanged at ₹11 per kilometre, with the first kilometre fixed at ₹35. Rajiv Chauhan, an auto driver in central Delhi, reported that his daily fuel expenditure rose from ₹308 to ₹344 between January and August, forcing him to rely on app-based aggregators for part of the day despite fluctuating returns.
Other operators, including drivers in west Delhi localities such as Tilak Nagar and Janakpuri, reported that mounting living expenses and fuel rates have forced them to reconsider long-distance trips. Rising costs of domestic items, including LPG cylinders, onions, and sugar, have added to the financial pressure on drivers.
In response to the price increase, driver unions have announced planned demonstrations. Haider Ali, former president of the Aam Aadmi Auto Wing, stated that drivers are organizing a march to the Transport Department office on Rajpura Road on September 3 to demand an increase in fares to ₹15 per kilometre and ₹50 for the first kilometre.
