Rickshaw drivers may strike work on Tuesday

To protest the price rise by Adani Energy, autorickshaw drivers’ assn threaten to go on a three-day strike from Tuesday

Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau

Posted On Monday, October 18, 2010 at 02:20:50 AM

Auto drivers will stay off the city road from Tuesday if Adani Energy does not roll back Rs 2.10 price hike which has come into effect from Sunday midnight. The members of the Ahmedabad Autorickshaw Drivers Sangarsh Samiti have threatened to go on a three-day strike if its demand to withdraw the hike is not considered. Adani Energy has increased the fuel price five times in last seven months which is very unfair, alleged the association members. “The company has introduced the hike suddenly, without intimating us which is quite unjust. This is for the sixth time that the prices have been raised without taking us in confidence. We survive on our daily earnings. If the prices will soar like this, we will not be able to make both ends meet,” said Raj Sirke, vice- president of Ahmedabad Autorickshaw Drivers Sangarsh Samiti. Moreover, the price has been increased after election. It means that it was pre-decided, he added. “We do not want to hassle commuters but this is too much. Every two months, we face price rise. But this time, we have decided to protest,” Sirke added. When contacted, an official of Adani energy said: “We have to hike prices of the gas because Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) has increased price. The GSPC officials told us that the decision was taken earlier but was held back due some reasons. They will also be raising their prices now.”