According to auto drivers, the situation has become increasingly difficult due to the shortage of automotive LPG and the sudden increase in fuel prices in the last few weeks. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Auto drivers’ associations in Bengaluru have urged the government to increase the minimum fare per auto meter, citing the continuous rise in auto LPG prices following the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
The associations submitted a petition to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Bengaluru demanding a revision of the fares, saying that the steep rise in fuel prices has severely affected the livelihood of drivers.
Currently, the minimum auto meter fare in Bengaluru is ₹36, while passengers are charged ₹18 for every additional kilometer. However, the associations are now demanding an increase in the minimum fare to ₹50 and subsequently to ₹25 per km.
According to auto drivers, the situation has become increasingly difficult due to the shortage of automotive LPG and the sudden increase in fuel prices in the last few weeks. They said the price of automotive LPG, which was around ₹ 56 per liter before the crisis escalated in West Asia, has now gone up drastically. About a week ago, the price reportedly touched ₹90 per liter and now it has reached close to ₹95 per liter in Bengaluru.
No other option
Murali K., an auto driver from Rajajinagar, said the rising cost of fuel is making it difficult for drivers to earn a sustainable income. “We are already facing reduced working hours and long waiting hours at LPG filling stations. The sharp rise in fuel prices has put many drivers in financial straits. Under these circumstances, the search for fare revision has become inevitable,” he said.
Indian Auto Drivers Union president Gandasi Sadananda Swamy said the associations were aware that the demand for a fare hike could make commuting difficult, but added that drivers had no other option. “We are very sorry to the people and regular commuters that we are seeking to increase fares. Everyone knows that the situation is very bad. Drivers are waiting hours in queues for LPG and at the same time the business has decreased. Fuel prices have skyrocketed and we have no other option but to ask the government to increase the minimum price,” he said.
Mixed reactions
However, commuters have expressed mixed reactions to the demand. Ravindra Kumar, a daily commuter from Yeshwantpur, said that while the problems faced by auto drivers were real, the proposed hike to ₹50 seemed excessive.
“It is true that auto drivers are suffering because of the rise in LPG prices and other issues. A fare revision may be necessary, but ₹50 as the minimum fare is too high. Maybe ₹40 or 45 would be more reasonable. If fuel prices come down in future, the fare should also come down again. This would help both drivers and commuters,” he said.
Another commuter, Swathi R. from Jayanagar, opposed the proposed hike, saying that traveling by car has already become expensive for many commuters. “Even now fares on ride-hailing apps are very high due to hidden charges and surge pricing. Most of the auto bookings are through these apps and commuters are already paying more than the regular meter fare. The government should not be considering a fare hike at this stage,” she said.
Published – 09 May 2026 21:57 IST
