GUJRAT, Feb 17: Up to 15 per cent arbitrary increase in fares by transporters following petroleum prices rise led to scuffles between commuters and crew in various parts of the district on Monday.

A survey carried out by this correspondent revealed that after the recent increase in petroleum prices by the government, the transporters had arbitrarily raised the fares up to 15 per cent. The transporters, who ply their vehicles from Kharian to Gujrat, had raised fare from Rs11 to Rs14 for each passenger.

This correspondent witnessed crew and passengers haggling over fares at the Gujrat bus and wagon stand. At some points, the vehicles’ crew and the passengers came to blows while old women cursed the government.

The commuters alleged that the transporters had already been overcharging and overloading their vehicles without check. They added the transporters had now enhanced fares without fear of higher officials.

An old woman, resident of Kunjah, told this correspondent that people were expecting relief when Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi took oath as the Punjab chief minister, but to no avail. She added her husband and sons were farmers, who were facing multiple problems because of petrol prices increase.

She urged the government to withdraw the decision and save the farmers from starvation.

Other commuters have also demanded the officials concerned to take stern action against transporters, who had arbitrarily enhanced the fares.

However, transporters said they had no option but to enhance the fares, adding the government overlooked their requirements while enhancing the prices of petroleum products.

To a question about overloading, the transporters said they paid monthly to the traffic police for attaching extra seats in their vehicles.