Delhi Auto Drivers Protest Soaring CNG Prices, Threaten Indefinite Strike From April 18

Besides, they also plan to go on an indefinite strike from April 18 if a subsidy of Rs 35 is not given to them.

Representational Image. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: The associations of auto drivers will stage a protest outside the Delhi Secretariat in the national capital on April 11 against the steep hike in CNG prices.

“At 12 p.m., we will start protesting against the CNG hike outside the Delhi Secretariat. We are demanding a subsidy of Rs 35 from the Delhi government as we don't want to burden our passengers,” ANI quoted Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh’s general secretary Rajendra Soni as saying.

Besides, they also plan to go on an indefinite strike from April 18 if a subsidy of Rs 35 is not given to them.

“If the government listens to us then it is fine else from April 18 onward taxis, autos will go on indefinite strike,” he added.

Currently, there are 95,000 autos plying in the national capital.

Soni further said the Delhi government has not held any meetings with any of the unions since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came into power.

The auto associations are also planning to rope in associations from the NCR to take part in the protest.

Vikas, an auto driver, expressed his disappointment with the hike in CNG prices.

“We do not know how we will survive. Are we considered human beings at all? Other than the rent everything is increasing like fire,” said Vikas.

“Now, the schools have started functioning and each day kids need school uniforms, books where will we bring them from? Won't our children study? The government must think about it,” he added.

Another auto driver Anis echoing similar sentiments said that they have never experienced a crisis like this before.

“Rs 400 daily rent, Rs 300 CNG what is left for us to survive on? We are experiencing a crisis like this for the first time. We want relief else surviving would be tough,” he said.

The remarks come as the country has been witnessing a rise in the prices of petrol, diesel and CNG.

In tune with the same, CNG in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi now costs Rs 69.11 per kg.