Ranchi: Another fuel price hike on Saturday, the third since May 15, is likely to affect intrastate bus operations from the city, with transporters warning that further increase in diesel prices may force them to hike passenger fares. Bus operators said the rising cost of diesel and pollution-control measures have sharply increased operational expenses for both long- and short-distance routes.After the latest hike, petrol price rose to Rs 102.60 per litre in Ranchi, while diesel now costs Rs 97.66 per litre.The price hike has especially affected commercial operators who depend on diesel-run buses.Rana Bajrangi, president of the Bus Drivers’ Welfare Association, said long-distance operators are struggling to absorb the sudden rise in costs. “For long-distance buses, expenses have increased by nearly Rs 700 to Rs 800 per trip. Many buses have diesel tanks with capacities of up to 250 litres. So, even a small hike directly affects drivers and operators,” he said.Adarsh Kumar, a bus manager, said short-distance buses are also facing cost pressures. “For routes within 300 km, diesel expenses for an up and down trip was touching nearly Rs 7,000. With the latest fuel price hike, operators may now have to spend nearly Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 more on each trip. If prices continue to rise, bus fares may also have to be increased,” he said.He added that passengers are likely to suffer the most if fares go up. “Whenever fares increase, many passengers start looking for other travel options,” Kumar said.Passengers waiting at Khadgarha bus stand expressed concern over the possibility of fare hikes, saying frequent increases would put additional burden on office-goers, students and families travelling regularly between Ranchi and nearby districts.Ashfaque Azam, president of the Ranchi Bus Owners Association, said operators are also facing rising costs of urea-based diesel exhaust fluid used for pollution control. “The price of urea solution has increased from around Rs 40 per litre to nearly Rs 70 per litre. Along with diesel, every bus has to refill around 20 litres for an up and down trip,” he said.Azam said nearly 600-700 short-distance buses operate daily from Ranchi to places such as Simdega, Latehar, Jamshedpur and Chaibasa. “If the fuel price hike continues, fare revision may become unavoidable. Bus owners from different routes are raising concerns over mounting operational costs,” he added.
