2011-02-21 16:29

Taxi passengers in Beijing may pay more for a ride in the second half of this year, as city authorities are mulling a fare hike in response to the country's new round of oil price hikes that started on Sunday morning, The Beijing News reports.

Gasoline and diesel prices have risen by 350 yuan (US$53.2) per ton, which makes 93-octane gasoline increase from 7.17 yuan per liter to 7.45 yuan per liter. This type of gasoline is commonly used by Beijing taxi drivers. Cab drivers must pay an additional 180 yuan each month after the oil price increase, based on an average oil consumption of 20 liters per day.

According to a policy set up in 2006 that links taxi fares with gasoline prices, city authorities can adjust taxi fares if 93-octane gasoline prices go higher than 7.1 yuan per liter. An official with the city's development and reform authority reveals that Beijing has started a survey on a taxi fare adjustment since the previous oil price hike last December, but has not made a decision on the matter, yet.

The adjustment may focus on per kilometer fare increase, flag-fall price (currently 10 yuan ) rise, or charging an extra one yuan to offset surging fuel prices, according to the report. The new fare will be based on taxi operations and general oil prices, followed by a public hearing and solicitation. The whole process will take at least half a year.