LPG hike, meter revision charges irk Bengaluru auto drivers

BENGALURU: Despite autorickshaw fares in the city being revised from December 1, many drivers are frustrated with the soaring auto LPG and meter calibration rates.
Drivers say the price of auto LPG has now touched Rs 69.5 a litre, up from Rs 66 last month. In fact, LPG prices have been spiralling of late, from Rs 31.51 a litre in May 2020 to Rs 58.18 in October 2021.
This neutralises the hike in passenger fare. The minimum auto fare has increased from Rs 25 (for the first 1.9km) to Rs 30 (for 2km) and for every additional km, from Rs 13 to Rs 15.
“Auto LPG prices are rising every month. The fare revision is not adequate if the Centre keeps this up. The government should regulate prices or provide financial subsidies to convert existing autos into CNG or electric ones. Already, our business has reduced because of Covid-19,” said M Manjunath, an auto driver.