Increasing fuel prices increase car temperatures too

By Mehak Mudassir

The app-based drivers and ride-hailing companies are refusing to turn on their air conditioning in an effort to push for increased commissions, following a series of fuel price hikes. The campaign was launched late last month by a trade union, Indian Federation of Appbased Transport Workers (IFAT), in the southern city of Hyderabad. It has spread to other metro cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Lucknow.

As of April 20, diesel price in the state increased to `94.79 per litre from the earlier cost of `89.00 per litre as recorded on March 28. News Trail reports also indicate that the cab drivers from other cities have also demanded extra fare from passengers for switching on air conditioning.

We spoke to passengers in Bengaluru who have experienced rides where cab drivers have refused to switch on air-conditioning. Cab drivers avoid turning on the air conditioning citing COVID-19 protocol Some say that the service is included only in sedan bookings.

I have paid a certain fare for booking a certain type of ride. It’s not right when he refuses to turn on the air conditioning. Petrol hike is not only for the cabs it’s also for everyone out there. I book it for my comfort and convenience, especially during summer and I have paid money for that. It goes for the extra fuel usage. So it’s my right to have the AC turned on. He can’t refuse to turn it on because I am paying them the amount fixed by the app. He chose his profession and now he has to deal with it.
-- Shreya Gowda

We cab drivers are following this “No AC” policy amid fuel hikes and low commissions. We are hoping that some action will be taken in favour of the drivers of app-based cab where commission is concerned. It’s always the common man who suffers whether it’s fuel price, food price.
-- Ananth, cab driver

All of us cab drivers have adopted a ‘No AC’ policy amid fuel price hikes and low commissions. We have families and responsibilities and cars also need servicing once in a while. We have to maintain all the things and also suffer paying high fuel prices.
-- Nagendra, cab driver

I regularly use cabs to commute in the city. Yes, they are refusing to switch on the air conditioner. The drivers say that because of Covid protocol they have been asked not to switch on the AC. But we are facing the blistering heat as April is the warmest month. I have twice paid extra money for a minicab to switch on air conditioning. We can’t blame the cab drivers. We have to blame the government and find the solution to the ongoing problem of app-based drivers.
-- Mariyam

While the weather is getting hotter day by day and we would all love to be riding in an AC car, we also should consider the situation around us. The hike in fuel prices has had a huge dent in the pockets of the upper middle class itself. I can only imagine how much deeper the dent would be to those who earn their daily living from driving cars. Personally, if it’s a particularly hot day, I would be satiated with lowering the windows. One can also slightly negotiate with the driver and have the AC on for a limited period of time during the ride.
-- Aamirah

From Mahadevapura to Bilekahalli, I was trying to book a regular ride but then my ride got upgraded to a sedan. And when I asked the driver to turn on the AC, he refused saying regular cars don’t have this service. I really didn’t know what to do. Since it was a hot day, I paid extra for availing the AC. I feel sad for them because they are not getting enough commission on the trips due the high fuel price. Some one has to find some solution, because it’s always the middle- class people who are struggling.
-- Neha Singh

When a fare is calibrated, it takes into account everything. The passenger is paying for it and as part of the customer service norm, you give a consumer what he wants. You can’t short change the customer.
-- Kutappa