Private bus operators go on strike in Kolkata over fuel price hike

Private bus operators took part in a strike here on Monday over the hike in fuel prices, and demanded an increase in fares.

The private bus operators-Joint Council of Bus Syndicate and Bengal Bus Syndicate-along with other mini bus associations called state-wide strike demanding revision of bus fares after prices of diesel and petrol were hiked.

On Friday, petrol prices were increased from Rs.71.50 to Rs.72.25 per litre, whereas, diesel rates were hiked from Rs.53.80 per litre to Rs.54.30 per litre.

Meanwhile, passengers were greatly inconvenienced as buses were off the road.

"Today, there was no buses, absolutely misgovernance on the part of the government. I have been standing here from last thirty minutes," said a passenger, Partho Roy.

The new rates were excluding local sales tax or VAT. The mini buses that were plying were overcrowded and people had to take private mode of transport.

"We are facing problems, though mini buses are running but they are over-crowded and we cannot enter in them," said another passenger, Arnab Sen.

According to local media reports, taxi drivers would also be joining the strike from January 9.

More than 37,000 private buses, including 8000 mini buses would be off the roads.