BMTC incurring more cost after fuel price hike

BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is facing a huge burden after the increase in fuel prices in the state. Despite the rise in revenue due to the Shakti scheme, the corporation is facing losses due to the increase in operational and maintenance costs.

The diesel price hike has added to the woes of the BMTC, which is already facing a loss of Rs 9 to Rs 10 lakh per day. The BMTC requires Rs 2.15 lakh litres of diesel per day to operate its fleet of 5,500 buses.

The BMTC purchases fuel from the government-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, which has increased the diesel price by Rs 3.50 per litre.

The BMTC has not received permission from the government to increase the fare since 2014, despite the increase in diesel prices. As a result, the BMTC is finding it difficult to operate daily schedules, sources pointed out.