BANGALORE: Barely a month after the prices of auto LPG were hiked by `3.31 a litre, fluctuations in the international oil markets have forced the suppliers to hike rates again by a whopping `6.80 per litre, with effect from Sunday, leaving Auto Drivers in the state fuming.
A litre of auto LPG which cost `48.80, will now cost `55.68. The previous hike in fares had consequently led to a hike in Auto fares in Bangalore, but this time no one is keen on hiking fares again including the auto drivers who lost some of their regular passengers.
“We shall not ask for another fare hike this time. There is no such option. The Deputy Commissioner made it clear the last time that auto fares would not be hiked till the price of LPG crossed `70,” said the president of the Aadarsha Auto Drivers Union Manjunath.
This is the highest price hike introduced in recent times which seems to have put auto drivers in a dejected mood.
“After the hike we were hopeful of being able to meet our daily demands but this hike now has ensured all our hopes are driven into dust,” said Shahid Khan, an auto driver.
However oil companies expressed helplessness over the issue since the prices of Auto LPG are not subsidised. “The international fluctuations will affect local prices too since the rates are not subsidised. However a further hike in rates seems highly unlikely and they might even come down in the future,” said an official who wished to remain unnamed.