Mumbai, (Maharashtra, May 30 :A fresh ₹2-per-kilogram hike in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices has triggered widespread concern among Mumbai’s cab drivers, who say the escalating fuel cost is squeezing their already limited earnings. With passenger fares remaining unchanged, drivers warn the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
The latest revision has pushed retail CNG prices in Mumbai to ₹86 per kg, amid global energy market volatility linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The hike has prompted strong reactions from taxi drivers across the city.
Speaking to Reporters, cab driver Faiz Khan said the imbalance between rising operational costs and stagnant fares is making daily survival more difficult.
“This is causing a lot of trouble now. CNG rates keep going up, but our fares remain the same. We are getting less work than before, and it’s the drivers who are suffering,” he said.
Another driver, Maan Singh Nikam, noted that repeated price increases have severely impacted livelihoods.
“They have already raised CNG prices three times. The fares haven’t increased at all. If all our earnings go into fuel, how are we supposed to sustain ourselves? This shouldn’t happen,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, driver Shakeel Ahmed said customers are unwilling to pay higher fares despite the rising cost of fuel.
“Earlier, fuel rates were low; now they are high. When we request customers to adjust fares, they refuse. Gas prices keep rising but earnings stay the same. Inflation is only increasing,” he said.
The impact is not limited to Mumbai. In New Delhi, CNG rates were also increased on Saturday by ₹2.61, taking the cost to ₹102.12 per kg, marking the fourth consecutive increase this month.
With fuel prices climbing steadily and fare structures remaining unchanged, Mumbai’s taxi community fears tougher days ahead unless corrective measures are taken to address their concerns.