Goods vehicles hike rental rates by 10-25 per cent amid fuel crisis

BENGALURU: The conflict in Gulf nations is affecting state transport, with lorries and mini goods vehicles joining autos in limited operation. This has led to a 10-25 per cent increase in goods vehicle rental rates.

The shortage of LPG and CNG is being felt across the state, with diesel scarcity at the district level and on highways. Around 10-12 per cent of vehicles, including lorries and mini goods vehicles are CNG/LNG-based, and their operation is being hit.

About five lakh vehicles, including lorries, goods, passenger, and commercial vehicles, are on the state’s roads. However, 10 per cent of these vehicles have stopped operating due to the fuel shortage.

While diesel is available in major cities, it’s scarce in districts and on highways. As a result, 10 per cent of lorries are off the roads, affecting supply of daily essentials and food industry transport. The Karnataka Federation of Lorry Owners’ Associations has increased rental rates by 10-25 per cent due to rising transportation costs.

Federation secretary Aravind Appaji told Public TV, “The war has been going on for over a month and our country depends hugely on Gulf countries for petroleum products. The central government has taken steps to ensure availability of diesel for lorries, but due to shortage of LPG and CNG, smaller goods vehicles which run on these fuels are impacted. Diesel shortage is not seen in major cities, but it is seen in smaller towns and highways. Vehicles are forced to wait for more than an hour to refill fuel”.

“With no option, rentals have risen by 10-25 per cent and customers will have to bear the brunt. The food industry has also been affected and farming. Also, the cost of fitness certificate and vehicle location tracking device (VLTD) and has affected goods vehicle owners”, he added.

The war’s impact on goods vehicle rental rates is directly affecting the common man.