SHILLONG : The East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association (EKHLTWA) is preparing to approach transport authorities seeking a revision in local taxi fares following the recent rise in fuel prices.
The association said increasing petrol costs are placing growing pressure on local taxi owners and drivers, many of whom depend entirely on daily earnings to sustain their livelihoods.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, EKHLTWA president Wandonbok Jyrwa said the association is expected to meet the Commissioner of Transport and the chairman of the Regional Transport Authority next week to place its demand before the government.
According to Jyrwa, the current rise in fuel prices has created a situation similar to the sharp petroleum price hikes witnessed in recent years.
“Now it is a global crisis. With the hike in petroleum prices, it will eventually affect the prices of essential commodities as well. Therefore, we request the government to revise the taxi fares,” he said.
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The association linked the present fuel price rise to the wider international situation following tensions involving the United States and Iran, which have triggered concerns over global oil supply and market instability.
Taxi operators said repeated increases in petrol prices directly impact operational costs, especially for local drivers who spend long hours on the road daily.
Jyrwa stated that there had earlier been an understanding with the government that taxi fares could be revised whenever fuel prices rise substantially.
“If the fuel prices come down again, we are also willing to reduce the fares,” he added.The EKHLTWA president said discussions within the association are still at a preliminary stage and that no final proposal has yet been formally submitted.
However, he urged the government to consider the financial difficulties faced by local taxi owners and drivers amid rising living costs and increasing fuel expenses.
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