Tripura: Auto drivers’ protest against CNG price hike in Agartala affected traffic.
CNG price hike in Agartala
Agartala city on Sunday brought traffic to a grinding halt as protests broke out in front of CNG (compressed natural gas) filling stations over a “sudden” hike in prices.
CNG price hike in Agartala, The protest was mainly carried out by auto-rickshaw drivers.
Tripura Natural Gas Corporation, the state-owned company that distributes CNG, has been accused of raising prices significantly.
The protesters said that TNGCL issued a notification on the night of October 1 and increased the fuel prices by a little over Rs.9. A few months ago, CNG became expensive by Rs.8.
“The city’s auto drivers are facing many problems. Today’s protests are an expression of long-accumulated resentment against the state government,” said Ajit Das, an auto-rickshaw driver.
He said, “All of us have paid a huge amount as fitness penalty. Several auto-rickshaw owners have received notices for payment of more than Rs.1 lakh. Apart from this, insurance premium, maintenance and other related charges are also increasing. And if CNG prices also increase, we will not be able to feed our families.
Amit Chakraborty, a graduate, who ferries passengers from Agartala city to the airport road, said, “In 2017, the price of CNG per kg was somewhere around Rs 40-45. Now it has gone up to Rs 70.” It has become Rs. Our expenditure on CNG is close to doubling. The state government should look into it.”
Amit Chakraborty, a graduate, who ferries passengers from Agartala city to the airport road, said, “In 2017, the price of CNG per kg was somewhere around Rs 40-45. Now it has gone up to Rs 70.” It has become Rs. Our expenditure on CNG is close to doubling. The state government should look into it.”
The protest sparked an immediate response from trade union leaders. A delegation of trade union leaders led by Biplab Kar, leader of the ruling BJP-backed Vivekananda Vichar Mancha (VVM), met officials of the Tripura Natural Gas Corporation in a delegation.
