New Delhi, May 21: Auto and taxi drivers in the Delhi-NCR region have initiated a three-day strike starting today. This action is in response to the escalating fuel prices, outdated fare structures, and losses incurred due to app-based companies.
The All India Motor Transport Congress and the Delhi Driver Union have organized this strike from May 21 to May 23. A cab driver shared with a news agency, “With the rising costs of CNG and petrol, what can a poor man do? Even after working all night, we barely make 500 rupees.”
He further explained that after accounting for fuel expenses and vehicle installments, it is challenging to save even 500 rupees after working a full night shift. “After 12 hours of work, I am left with around 500-600 rupees,” he added.
On May 19, petrol prices increased by 86 paise, while diesel rose by 83 paise per liter. Earlier, on May 15, both petrol and diesel saw a hike of 3 rupees per liter, and CNG prices went up by 2 rupees.
The government has attempted to limit the price hikes of petrol and diesel to 4.4 percent by directing oil companies to compensate for losses incurred due to the rising cost of imported crude oil, which has exceeded $100 per barrel.
According to government sources, public sector oil companies have absorbed a loss of 24,500 crores to stabilize petrol and diesel prices, leading to a price increase of 3.91 rupees per liter in two phases.
A senior official reported that the government has faced a revenue loss of 30,000 crores due to the reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel. Additionally, oil companies have incurred losses of 24,500 crores on these fuels and 40,000 crores for maintaining stable LPG prices for domestic consumers.
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