Mumbai

The recent increase in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in Mumbai has drawn concern from cab drivers, who say rising fuel costs are eroding their earnings while passenger fares remain unchanged.

The retail price of CNG in Mumbai has been raised by ₹2 per kilogram, taking it to ₹86 per kg. The revision comes amid uncertainty in global energy markets linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Drivers operating in the city say the repeated increase in fuel prices has added to their financial burden, particularly as ride fares have not been revised to reflect higher operating expenses.

Cab driver Faiz Khan said the hike has made it increasingly difficult for drivers to sustain their livelihoods. According to him, fuel costs have risen while earnings have remained largely stagnant, leaving drivers to absorb the additional expense.

Another driver, Maan Singh Nikam, expressed frustration over what he described as multiple CNG price increases in recent months. He noted that although fuel costs continue to rise, passenger fares remain unchanged, directly reducing drivers' take-home income.

Sharing a similar view, Shakeel Ahmed said drivers are unable to pass on the increased costs to customers. He explained that passengers are generally unwilling to pay higher fares, forcing drivers to continue operating at existing rates despite escalating fuel expenses.

The latest hike adds to concerns among transport operators already grappling with inflationary pressures. Drivers argue that the gap between operating costs and fare structures is widening, making it harder to maintain profitability.

Meanwhile, fuel prices have also risen in other parts of the country. In New Delhi, CNG prices were increased by ₹2.61 per kilogram, marking the fourth price revision this month amid volatility in global energy markets.

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The increase in fuel costs is expected to impact a large section of public transport operators, including taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers, who rely heavily on CNG as a relatively economical fuel option.