Autorickshaw unions continue to hold the city to ransom with threats of striking. On Tuesday, the Sharad Rao-led autorickshaw union threatened yet another agitation, speculating that prices of CNG will be hiked if
CNG dealers get the commission they are demanding.
CNG dealers had demanded a hike in the commission paid to them from 87 paise per kg to `2.50 per kg of CNG. The Petrol Pump Owners’ Association (PPOA) had threatened an indefinite strike if this demand was not met. However, after getting a written assurance from the state that a solution would be figured out within a month, the strike was deferred.
It is highly probable that if the government decides to grant the increased commission to the dealers, the price of CNG will be raised. This price hike, if sanctioned, is likely to affect one lakh autorickshaws, 50,000 taxis and 3,000 fleet cabs in the city.
However, it is still not clear whether the price will actually be hiked if the commission is given to the dealers. But
the Mumbai Autorick-shawmen’s Union (Mau) is taking no risks, threatening that autos will stay off the roads if the CNG price is hiked.
“Even if the commission given to dealers is increased, the MGL and oil companies should share the added cost and the burden should not be laid on common man,” said Sharad Rao, Mau president. A spokesperson from MGL said, “We are open to discussion between the oil companies and dealers, after which a rational decision will be taken.”