MUMBAI: CNG will cost Rs 2 more for every kg, including taxes, from Saturday morning while the rate of piped cooking gas will go up by Rs 1.50 per unit. Revised prices for CNG are Rs 63.50 per kg and Rs 38 per unit for piped gas.
This year, the CNG rate in the Mumbai metropolitan region has been hiked by around Rs 16 in 11 months, a huge burden for over 8 lakh consumers, including over 3 lakh private car users apart from public transport modes like autos, taxis and buses. This is the fourth price hike in the past three months of the essential item.
The black-and-yellow taxi and autorickshaw unions are now demanding another hike of Rs 5 and Rs 2, respectively, in minimum fares following the hike. Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said the fare hikes given earlier this year were based on CNG price being below Rs 50, but now this has gone over Rs 60, reducing earnings for drivers. Mumbai Taximen’s Union leader A L Quadros has said due to the huge fuel price hikes in 2021, many drivers want to switch to electric cabs in the near future.
