Vadodara: Commuters using auto-rickshaws in the city are going to feel a pinch in their pockets from next month, as auto-rickshaw fares will be revised upward from July 1, 2026. Citing the continuous rise in CNG and petrol prices, the Vadodara Auto Rickshaw Union has decided to increase the minimum fare by ₹10. Under the revised fare structure, the minimum fare will rise from ₹20 to ₹30 from July 1.

Currently, over 80,000 auto-rickshaw drivers earn their livelihood in the city. Vadodara Auto Rickshaw Union president Bilal Parmar said that the continuous rise in CNG and petrol prices has significantly increased operating expenses for drivers. He said it has become increasingly difficult to run rickshaws profitably at the current fare rates, forcing the union to decide to increase fares despite their impact on passengers.

The fare hike is expected to directly affect the budgets of middle-class families, office-goers, and others who rely on auto-rickshaws for their daily commute. However, rickshaw drivers maintain that the increase is necessary to offset rising fuel expenses and sustain their livelihoods.

It is worth noting that the prices of petrol, diesel, and CNG have witnessed significant increases in the last few weeks due to the war in West Asia, which has affected the supply chain. DeshGujarat