Karnataka private bus fares set to jump 30 percent as fuel costs surge hits operators hard

Fuel prices rose just Rs 3 per litre

Private bus operators across Karnataka have announced fare hikes of 20–30% on most routes, effective from Friday midnight, after petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 3 per litre—the first hike in over four years. Operators say the fuel jump, along with higher road taxes and revenue pressure from schemes like Shakti on state buses, will add about Rs 15,000 extra per vehicle each month. They are urging the state to cut cess and road taxes and provide subsidies to avoid service collapse.