Fuel price surge pushes private bus operators to increase ticket rates across Karnataka
Bengaluru: In another major blow to commuters already struggling with rising fuel and essential commodity prices, private bus operators in Karnataka have announced a sharp increase in ticket fares following the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices.
The revised fares will come into effect from midnight on May 15, with ticket prices expected to rise by nearly 20 to 30 percent across several private bus services operating within and outside Bengaluru.
The fare hike comes immediately after oil companies increased petrol and diesel prices earlier in the day, triggering concern among transport operators over rising operational costs.
According to transport associations, petrol prices in Bengaluru have increased by ₹3.27 per litre, while diesel prices have gone up by ₹3.12 per litre. In addition, CNG prices across the country have reportedly been raised by ₹2 per kilogram.
Private bus operators cite rising diesel expenses
Private bus owners stated that the steep rise in fuel prices has made it difficult to continue operations at existing ticket rates.
Karnataka State Private Bus Owners Association President Nataraj Sharma said every private bus consumes nearly 150 litres of diesel daily, significantly increasing operating expenses after the latest price revision.
“Due to the increase in diesel prices by nearly ₹3 per litre, operators will have to bear an additional burden of around ₹450 per bus every day. Therefore, increasing ticket fares has become unavoidable,” Nataraj Sharma said.
Bus operators further stated that maintenance costs, staff salaries and permit-related expenses have also increased in recent months, putting additional pressure on the transport sector.
Commuters likely to face additional financial burden
The fare increase is expected to affect thousands of daily passengers, including office workers, students and intercity travellers who rely heavily on private buses for transportation.
Many commuters have expressed concern over the continuous rise in living expenses, saying the latest fare revision will further strain household budgets already impacted by inflation and rising fuel costs.
Transport experts warn that repeated increases in travel expenses could affect passenger movement and increase pressure on public transport systems such as Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation services.
Global fuel supply disruption blamed for price rise
Industry sources indicated that the latest fuel price hike is linked to disruptions in global fuel supply chains, particularly due to tensions and blockade-related concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The disruption has reportedly affected international crude oil movement, leading to higher fuel prices across several countries, including India.
With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, transport operators have hinted that further fare revisions may be considered if diesel and petrol costs continue to rise in the coming weeks.
