The fare hikes for autos and taxis announced by the government will burden average Mumbaikars who are already reeling under the COVID pandemic, said the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat as it urged the state to defer the decision by six months.

“We agree to the fact that a hike in fares of autos and taxis was due since it has not been given for a period of over five years. But given the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdown and its effects on the economy, loss of jobs and the paying power of consumers, the hike seems to be ill-timed and exhaustive,” said Shirish Deshpande of the leading consumer rights organisation.