Delhiites, time to brace for Rs 70 minimum auto rickshaw fare? AC taxi may cost Rs 40/km

Auto-rickshaw and taxi rides in Delhi may soon become more expensive after transport unions demanded a fare revision following the latest increase in CNG prices.

The Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union have written to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging the Delhi government to increase auto and taxi fares, citing rising operational costs and growing financial pressure on drivers.

In the letter, the unions said that the price of CNG in Delhi has now increased to Rs 79.9 per kg after a fresh hike of Rs 2. They also pointed out that CNG prices had already been raised twice in 2025. According to the unions, the continuous rise in fuel prices, along with increasing costs of tyres, engine parts, oil and other spare parts, has made it difficult for auto and taxi drivers to sustain their livelihoods.

The unions also mentioned that the fitness fee for auto and taxi vehicles was increased from zero to Rs 800 in February 2026, adding further burden on drivers.

Petrol, diesel and CNG price hike in Delhi

The demand comes after state-run oil marketing companies on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by up to Rs 3 per litre amid continued volatility in global crude oil markets. The revised prices came into effect immediately.

In Delhi, petrol prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel prices increased to Rs 90.67 per litre. CNG prices in the national capital were also increased by Rs 2 per kg to Rs 79.09 per kg from Rs 77.09 per kg earlier.

What fare hike has been proposed?

The unions have demanded that the minimum fare for auto-rickshaws be increased from Rs 30 to Rs 50 for the first 1.5 kilometres. They have also sought an increase in the per-kilometre fare from Rs 11 to Rs 15 after the minimum distance.

Additionally, they have proposed a waiting charge of Re 1 per minute and an extra luggage charge of Rs 25. The unions also requested that the existing 25 per cent night charge between 11 pm and 5 am continue.

For taxis, the unions have demanded that the minimum fare for the first kilometre be raised from Rs 40 to Rs 70. They also sought a revision in per-kilometre charges for non-AC taxis from Rs 17 to Rs 30 and for AC taxis from Rs 25 to Rs 40.

The letter has also been marked to the Delhi Transport Minister.

The unions argued that revising fares would help reduce disputes between passengers and drivers while easing the financial stress on auto and taxi operators in the national capital.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's 90-day public campaign

Meanwhile, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government on Thursday announced a 90-day public campaign aimed at encouraging citizens to adopt lifestyle changes that reduce fuel consumption, promote sustainable transport and strengthen the domestic economy.

The initiative follows an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging citizens to contribute to economic resilience during global uncertainty.

Under the campaign, the Delhi government will focus on fuel savings, work-from-home adoption, reduced foreign travel, promotion of local products and energy conservation.

As part of the measures, the private sector has been advised to implement a two-day work-from-home policy wherever feasible, while government offices will also follow a similar arrangement. The government has also targeted a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption by official vehicles and announced that no new petrol, diesel, CNG or hybrid government vehicles will be purchased for the next six months.

A major component of the initiative is the 90-day public awareness drive titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan” (My India, My Contribution), under which citizens will be encouraged to save fuel, use public transport, reduce unnecessary vehicle usage, avoid non-essential foreign travel and prefer Made-in-India products wherever possible.

The campaign will also promote carpooling, car sharing and improved last-mile connectivity, with the pledge expected to be administered in schools, colleges and offices across the national capital.