Kumta: Auto-drivers protest against hike in Gas prices at petrol station

Kumta 26 may 2018: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Auto drivers of Kumta Taluka staged a protest at ‘Total Petrol bunk’ near Alvikodi of Kumta against the hike in the price of Gas here on Thursday 24 May 2018. The price of Gas per liter across the Taluka is reported to be Rs. 37.22/- but at ‘Total petrol bunk’ Near Alvikodi the Gas was allegedly being sold at Rupees 39.62/- . i.e. Rupees 2.40/- more than the actual price. Irked with the hike in price, the local auto drivers staged a protest in front of the petrol bunk on Thursday. One of the auto driver who spoke to media and said “The number of autos in the Taluka has gone up over the years, thereby declining our average earning, as more the number of autos, less the number of customers we have on average, and in such scenarios such illegal hike in rates can further effect out daily earnings thereby affecting our daily life". The administrator of the gas station later apologized to the protesters and alleged that the hike was done on instructions from the company and said they will now sell the gas at the authorized price. Auto Drivers Gajanan Naik, Arun Naik, Ajim Sab, Micheal Dias, Shridar Naik, Bhalu Naik, Raju Naik were present during the protest. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Fristen Dias)