Transport Federation Demands Immediate Fare Adjustment Following Fuel Price Hike

Kathmandu. The National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs has demanded that the government immediately adjust public transport fares in protest of the sharp increase in petroleum prices.

The Federation issued a statement expressing serious concern the day after Nepal Oil Corporation increased the price of diesel by NPR 10 per liter and petrol by NPR 15 per liter, effective from the night of Jestha 2. The Federation stated that such a significant price hike at once directly affects transport entrepreneurs and the general consumers.

The statement issued by the Federation's General Secretary, Daknath Gautam, mentioned that public transport is entirely dependent on fuel, so fluctuations in price directly impact the business.

The Federation expressed dissatisfaction that although the Department of Transport Management adjusts fares automatically, fares have not been adjusted since Falgun 22, 2078 BS.

The Federation demanded an immediate fare adjustment based on the scientific method established in 2065 BS, which considers 13 indicators related to vehicles. Through the statement, the government's attention was drawn to promptly adjust fares for federal routes by the Department of Transport Management and for routes under provincial jurisdiction by the respective ministries of the seven provinces.

Transport entrepreneurs stated that merely increasing prices is not the solution for Nepal Oil Corporation. They also demanded that the Government of Nepal control internal leakage within the corporation and manage consumption of petroleum products while adopting a scientific method to ensure a smooth supply system.