Delhi-NCR taxi auto strike begins over fuel price hike — Check demand, how it affects you | Today’s news
A three-day transport strike has begun in Delhi-NCR and is expected to affect the movement of taxis, autorickshaws and commercial trucks.
The ‘Chaalak Shakti Union’ in coordination with other organizations in Delhi has called for a Chakka Jam (strike) and called for non-operation of vehicles on 21st, 22nd and 23rd May.
“Due to the ever-increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families,” the All India Motor Transport Congress said in a letter to Delhi Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
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Petrol price in New Delhi increased to ₹98.64 per liter from ₹97.77 on Tuesday, while diesel rate rose to ₹91.58 from ₹90.67 liters. The last increase follows a ₹3 per liter hike announced on Friday – the first revision to fuel prices in more than four years.
CNG prices in Delhi were hiked by Re 1 per kg across Delhi-NCR on Sunday, marking the second price hike in 48 hours. CNG prices have increased ₹2 on Friday.
“The unions demanded that the Delhi government increase the prices of cars and taxis. The rise in CNG prices put a financial burden on the drivers. Other demands were not addressed by the government, which led to the exploitation of the drivers,” the union said.
“City taxi fares have not been hiked in the Delhi-NCR region for the last 15 years. Meanwhile, the cost of CNG, petrol, diesel etc. has increased manifold,” the letter added.
They also raised concerns about app-based taxi services, saying they were jacking up prices and “acting arbitrarily” while taxi drivers in Delhi were “being subjected to economic exploitation and slavery-like conditions”.
The commercial vehicle drivers also said that “a strong policy should be formulated to stop the economic exploitation of taxi drivers”.
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The hauliers’ body has also sought the removal of enhanced eco-compensation for commercial vehicles and the lifting of the ban on vehicles with BS IV emission standards or earlier emission standards.
How will the strike affect you?
Taxis, app-based taxis and various auto-rickshaw services are expected to be affected, which could lead to significant inconvenience in commuting.
Passengers can expect longer waiting times and reduced cabin availability. This is likely to bring larger crowds to the Delhi Metro and public buses, especially during peak hours.
Residents commuting to airports, railway stations or through NCR hubs (Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad) should prepare for significant travel disruptions and plan accordingly.
The transporters of goods declared a symbolic ‘Chakka Jam’ during these three days. This is likely to disrupt supply chains, raising concerns about potential shortages of vegetables, fruits, groceries and other daily necessities in local markets.
Local supply networks and wholesale markets could face significant disruption if the strike gains momentum. Perishable goods that depend on daily deliveries from neighboring states are particularly vulnerable to shortages or delays.
The exact severity of the strike remains uncertain as not all transport unions have confirmed their participation and authorities have not yet been able to provide an official estimate of how many vehicles will actually remain off the road.
Read also | Delhi-NCR taxi auto drivers announce 3-day strike from May 21, demand fare hike
Several unions of car companies and taxi drivers do not support the strike
A section of the autorickshaw unions distanced themselves from the proposed three-day strike. The Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh said the auto rickshaw service will be normal as the strike involves transporters.
“Truck issues have been going on for the last 15 to 20 days and have nothing to do with auto and taxi drivers,” Rajendra Soni, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Sangh, told PTI. “Car and taxi services will continue to operate normally at all railway stations, bus terminals and other locations as usual.”
The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association also distanced itself from the strike, saying it would cooperate in the “national interest”.
“The association feels that the country is currently facing serious challenges due to the rising international oil and gas prices. At such a time, it is important to work together in the national interest rather than bothering the general public,” said Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association.
