Around one lakh auto rickshaws in Ahmedabad are expected to stay off the roads for two days as drivers protest rising CNG prices and delays in the government’s fare hike notification. The strike is likely to disrupt travel for thousands of commuters, especially students, office workers, and passengers travelling to railway stations, bus stands, and hospitals.
Drivers Protest Rising Costs
Auto drivers say repeated CNG price hikes by Adani have made it difficult to earn a living. They are particularly upset over the ₹4 per kg increase announced on August 1. Although officials had earlier approved a fare revision after discussions with the Transport Commissioner, the state government has not yet issued the final notification.
Without the official order, drivers cannot legally charge the revised fares, leading to frequent arguments with passengers and financial losses.
Main Demands
The protesting unions are demanding:
An immediate rollback in CNG prices.
Quick issuance of the pending fare hike notification.
The strike has been called by the Pragati Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union, while the Ahmedabad Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union has chosen not to participate.
Union leaders have warned that if the government does not reduce CNG prices or notify the revised fares soon, they will launch a bigger protest in the coming days.