Commuters in Delhi-NCR are likely to face disruptions over the next three days as commercial vehicle unions launched a strike on Thursday demanding fare revision amid rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs.
The protest, which began on May 21, is expected to affect app-based cabs, auto-rickshaws and commercial taxi services across the region.
More than 68 transport unions under the banner of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and the United Front of All Transport Associations (UFTA) are participating in the “chakka jam” protest, which will continue till May 23.
The striking unions say taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years despite repeated hikes in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.
Drivers argue that rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, insurance, permits and loan EMIs have pushed them into severe financial distress.
Petrol in Delhi now costs ₹98.64 per litre, diesel ₹91.58 per litre and CNG ₹80.09 per kg after multiple hikes over the past week.
The latest fuel price hikes are a result of the rising global crude oil prices amid escalating tensions in West Asia, especially the conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil shipping route.
