Base fares of auto, taxi in Mumbai hiked by INR 3 amid the increase in fuel rates

As the price of petrol and diesel is substantially skyrocketing day by day, the base fares for autos and taxis have been hiked by INR 3 across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Initially, the base fare for taxis in the city was INR 22. Now, it has been increased to INR 25. Similarly, the minimum fare for auto-rickshaws has gone from INR 18 to INR 21.

Earlier, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) reportedly decided to hold a meeting on Monday, February 22 to review a hike in fares.

Auto drivers said that they had been suffering for the past five years as there has not been a single paise hike despite rise in costs of fuel, maintenance, insurance. Several drivers said they had no earnings during April to June in 2020.

The city is already combating with the COVID situation, and now with a hike in fares, travelling will become costlier for commuters. Petrol and diesel rates are on an upward spiral, hitting record highs across metros, and they have already breached the INR 100 mark per litre in some cities. In Mumbai today the cost of petrol stands at INR 97 while diesel is retailing at INR 88.06. The fuel prices witnessed an increase for 12 days in a row till Saturday, February 20.