Transport operators on strike in Assam over hiked fuel prices

Assam July 3: (ANI) Public transport operators in Assam are on strike in protest against hike in fuel prices. Vehicles such as taxis, auto-rickshaws and trekker station wagons remained off the roads in Guwahati, the state's principle city.

Although the government has not increased fares, the Assam Bus and Trekker Station Wagon Association increased the fares on their own citing a federal government move to hike the prices of petrol and diesel.

Auto-rickshaw and van drivers have been exploiting the situation by over charging passengers.I had been waiting for a bus, but today all buses are off the road, and autos are asking for high rates that we cannot pay," said Bornali Meich, Guwahati resident.

Shyam a worker at petrol pump, said there has been a 20 percent hike in fares, which people have refused to pay.

"The fares of bus and trekkers have been increased due to a rise in the price of petrol and diesel. The public is facing a lot of problems. The sale is also less in our petrol pump today," he added.

Earlier, Chandan Brahma, Assam's Transport Minister, said the fare raised by the bus and trekker station wagon owners is illegal and warned that, the government would take action. (ANI)