Auto and taxi drivers in Delhi and Bengaluru are protesting repeated increases in compressed natural gas (CNG) prices this month.
The rising cost of fuel is eroding the daily earnings of transport workers who rely on CNG for affordable operations. As operational costs climb, drivers said that current fare structures are no longer sustainable, potentially leading to service disruptions or increased costs for commuters.
In Delhi, the price of CNG has reached Rs 83.09 per kg [1]. This latest adjustment marks the fourth price increase within a 15-day period [2]. The frequency of these hikes has caused significant frustration among the city's fleet of auto-rickshaws and taxis.
Drivers in Bengaluru are facing even higher costs. The price of CNG in the city has risen to Rs 95 per kg [3]. This follows an increase of Rs 3 per kg [4] from the price seen in early May, which was Rs 92 per kg [5].
The situation has created a financial squeeze for drivers in both urban centers. Because fuel is a primary overhead cost, the repeated hikes directly reduce the take-home pay of drivers who cannot unilaterally raise their fares. Many drivers said they are furious over the volatility of fuel pricing and the lack of corresponding fare adjustments.
Transport workers are now calling for official fare revisions to offset the inflation. Without these changes, drivers said the cost of living and operating vehicles is becoming unmanageable.
“CNG price in Delhi reached Rs 83.09 per kg”
The volatility of CNG pricing in India's major hubs highlights a systemic vulnerability for the gig and transport economy. When fuel prices rise rapidly without a synchronized adjustment in regulated fares, the financial burden falls entirely on the driver. This creates a ripple effect that can lead to labor strikes, a decrease in available transport for the public, and increased economic pressure on low-income service providers.
