BHOPAL: Auto-rickshaw drivers staged a symbolic protest in Bhopal on Monday, carrying underwear to highlight their financial concerns and demand a revision of auto fares amid rising fuel prices.
The protest was held near a temple on Raisen Road. Drivers said increasing petrol, diesel and CNG prices had significantly raised their operating costs.
Protesters displayed torn underwear as a symbolic representation of the financial pressures they said they face due to fuel costs, vehicle loan repayments, maintenance expenses and household responsibilities.
According to representatives of the drivers’ association, a CNG-powered auto typically requires around Rs 500 worth of fuel a day and generates about Rs 1,200 in revenue. They said the remaining amount is largely consumed by fuel, maintenance and loan-related expenses.
The association said auto fares have not been revised for a long period despite rising operating costs and urged the government to review the current fare structure.
Several drivers said inflation and higher fuel prices were reducing their daily savings and making it increasingly difficult to meet household expenses. The protest remained peaceful
