Fuel Price Hike Impact: Bus Fares and Freight Charges Likely to Rise Again Across India

Transportation Hike: The rising prices of petrol and diesel have now placed yet another heavy burden on the pockets of the common people. Consequently, the Char Dham Yatra, pilgrimages, and general leisure travel are all likely to become more expensive.

Transportation Hike: The continuously escalating prices of both petrol and diesel have broken the backs of the common people. Now, the Char Dham Yatra, pilgrimages, and trips to hill stations have also fallen victim to this price surge. Travelers may now have to shell out approximately 20 percent more for their journeys. In fact, Harish Sabharwal, President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, stated clearly in an exclusive interview with ABP News that, due to the rise in petrol and diesel prices, they would be compelled to increase bus fares by 20 percent and truck freight rates by up to 25 percent.

How Much Will Bus Fares Increase?

He further added, “60 to 70 percent of our operational costs are spent solely on fuel. This is acting like a slow poison.” Taking aim at the government, he further remarked, “When crude oil prices were low, the benefits were not passed on to the common man or the farmers. Now, during a time of high inflation, the entire burden is being shifted onto the transporters.” Issuing a warning, Sabharwal stated that if immediate relief is not provided, a large number of trucks and buses will disappear from the roads within a week or two. “During the COVID-19 period, toll taxes were waived; similarly, the collection of tolls should be halted immediately right now. Otherwise, we will be forced to increase freight charges, and the full brunt of this will be borne by the common people.”

What Are the Demands of Bus Owners?

The association has put forward two major demands to the Central Government: first, that toll taxes on buses and trucks be waived; and second, that petrol and diesel be brought under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Bijender Singh, a member of the All India Motor Transport Congress, stated, “Transporters cannot cover these costs out of their own pockets. We will be compelled to raise rates, and this will have a direct impact on the pockets of the common man. The government should first demonstrate its willingness by reducing taxes within its own states.” Vijay Virmani, Secretary of the Delhi Contract Bus Association, told ABP News that there is no longer any scope left to absorb rising costs. “Along with petrol and diesel, the prices of urea and spare parts are also increasing. Raising fares is the only option left for us.”

Trucks Bear the Brunt

Truck freight rates could rise by up to 25 percent, as these vehicles cover long distances, require two drivers, and carry heavy cargo loads. Gurmeenat Singh Tony, an operator, described the hiked petrol and diesel prices as a “slow poison,” stating, “Drivers will demand salary increases because their household expenses have gone up. That burden will then fall upon us. If we raise freight rates, we are the ones who get blamed.” He made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Modi to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of the GST.

Meanwhile, speaking to ABP News, Som Luthra, Working President of the Delhi Bus Association, said, “Bookings for buses to destinations like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Shimla, and Manali have already been finalized. Now that costs are rising, we will have to increase fares by at least 20 percent.

How are we supposed to absorb such expenses?”

Transporters warn that if the government does not take immediate action, not only will travel become more expensive, but the entire economy will also suffer adverse effects. The general public is already grappling with inflation, and now, road travel could become yet another headache for them.

Will Toll Taxes Be Waived?

The association has demanded that the government waive toll taxes for buses and trucks and bring petrol and diesel under the purview of the GST to help lower prices. Transporters have clearly stated that if the government provides relief, the impending hikes in passenger fares and freight rates can be averted.