Auto drivers demand action on fuel rates, bike taxis Autorickshaw drivers in Nagpur staged a protest at the collector’s office on Tuesday, demanding urgent measures to address the sharp rise in LPG prices and its impact on their livelihoods. Around 50 drivers participated in the demonstration, led by corporator Wasim Khan, who highlighted the steep increase in fuel costs as a major challenge for their daily operations. Drivers reported that LPG prices have surged from Rs54 to Rs84 per litre, with some companies charging as high as Rs96, making it difficult to sustain their businesses. Many emphasized that the hike has outpaced their earnings, pushing them toward financial strain. Khan, who also towed an auto-rickshaw to the protest site as a symbolic gesture, stated that the rise in LPG prices affects every driver in the city. “The increase in fuel costs is making it nearly impossible to manage daily expenses,” he said. Drivers noted that their expenses, including maintenance and permits, are already high, and the added burden of fuel price hikes has exacerbated their struggles. The protest underscored the direct link between rising fuel costs and reduced profit margins for auto drivers, who rely heavily on LPG as their primary fuel source. In addition to fuel prices, drivers raised concerns about the growing competition from app-based bike taxi services operated by private players. They argued that these services are undermining traditional auto operations and called for regulatory intervention to protect their livelihoods. The drivers’ demands reflect broader frustrations with rising operational costs and the lack of support from authorities to address their financial challenges.#nagpur #lpg_prices #wasim_khan #app_based_bike_taxi_services #auto_drivers
