In light of the hike in fuel prices, transporters in Madhya Pradesh are planning to increase freight charges by 20-25%. According to petrol pump owners, the price of diesel has increased by ₹0.82 to ₹100.39 per litre in Indore, while traders have stated that cost of the fuel has crossed ₹100 per litre in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior and other major cities of the state.
“Due to the continuous rise in diesel prices, we are left with no option but to increase the freight rates. An increase of up to 20% in freight rates can be seen in the coming days,” said Vijay Kalra, vice-president of the western zone unit of All India Motor Transport Congress.
C L Mukati, the president of Indore Truck Operators and Transport Association, said freight rates will be increased by 25% due to the hike in prices of fuel and other items.
“Along with diesel, the prices of vehicle parts and toll tax rates have also increased. If we want to operate our businesses in such a situation, we have to increase the freight charges,” Mukati said.
According to experts in the transport business, at present there are about six lakh freight vehicles running in the state.
