The Bagmati Province government has increased the fares of public vehicles and cargo carriers operating in the province, including Kathmandu Valley, following an increase in the diesel prices.

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Transportation of the province said the new fares have come into effect from Thursday.

As per the new fares, passengers travelling on public vehicles within the Kathmandu Valley will be charged Rs19 for a five-kilometre ride. The fare has been increased from the previous price of Rs18.

According to a notice published in the province’s gazette, the fare for travelling up to 10 kilometres has been set at Rs26, up to 15 kilometres at Rs31, and up to 20 kilometres at Rs35. If passengers travel over 20 kilometres, they will be charged Rs40.

The fares for public vehicles operating in other parts of the province have been increased by 5.31 percent.

The fares for cargo vehicles have been increased by 7.77 percent, said the ministry.

The ministry fixed the flag-drop charge of taxis at Rs52 and the fare at Rs 10.34 per 200 metres. The fare for taxis operating from 9pm to 4am has been fixed at Rs 15.52 per 200 metres.

On August 16, the Department of Transport Management had increased the fares for public transport and cargo carriers operating on inter-province routes following an increase in the price of diesel.

The fare of passenger vehicles was increased by 4.70 percent. Likewise, the fare of cargo carriers operating on hilly roads was raised by 6.15 percent. The fare of cargo carriers operating in the Tarai area was increased by 6.83 percent.

The Nepal Oil Corporation on August 15 had increased the price of petrol and diesel by Rs 5 and Rs 14 per litre, respectively.