Er.energyNP@Gmail.com

The government has begun preparations to raise public transport fares within two weeks, citing the recent surge in fuel prices.

According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, a proposal has been submitted to adjust fares based on the established scientific mechanism. Under this procedure, fares are automatically revised when fuel prices rise or fall by 15 percent.

The government last increased public vehicle fares by up to 22 percent on April 8. At that time, passenger vehicle fares rose by 16.71 percent, freight vehicle fares on roads in the hill region by 21.68 percent, and those on Terai roads by 15.75 percent.

Since the last revision, diesel prices have increased by 30 percent. Diesel now costs Rs 237 per liter - a rise of Rs 55.