Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Apr 4: The recent hike in diesel prices and toll charges has drawn strong opposition, coming on the heels of increased rates for essential services like milk and electricity. This rise is expected to impact daily commodities and could also lead to an increase in private bus fares.

With both diesel and toll charges increasing, the financial burden on owners of buses, goods carriers, and other diesel-powered vehicles has grown significantly. The Mangaluru-Udupi-Kundapur-Bhatkal route, which sees heavy private bus traffic, has been particularly affected. President of the State Private Bus Owners' Federation, Kuyiladi Suresh Nayak, stated that fare revisions are becoming inevitable.

"Just a few months ago, diesel prices went up by Rs 3 per litre, and now there's another Rs 2 hike. The increase in toll charges further adds to our monthly expenses, which could rise by Rs 25,000 per vehicle. Despite appeals to the government, there has been no response. We will soon hold a meeting of bus owners and decide on the next course of action," he added.

The impact is not limited to buses, as diesel-driven vehicles such as trucks, tempos, and taxis also face increased operational costs. Ramesh Kotyan, General Secretary of the Udupi Taximen’s Association, emphasized that this price surge would affect the cost of living and urged the government to intervene. He also mentioned that transport unions would convene soon to decide on future protests if corrective measures are not taken.

Meanwhile, Kaviraj S Kanchan, the Udupi zone coordinator of CITU, stated that the union is preparing to intensify protests against the state and central governments' pricing policies, which are severely affecting the common people.