Bengaluru, May 16 -- With fuel prices and living expenses continuing to rise across Karnataka, auto-rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru have appealed to the state government for immediate relief measures, including revision of auto meter fares and support for their children's education expenses.

Members of the Snehajeevi Drivers Trade Union submitted their demands to the government, stating that the sharp increase in petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG prices has severely affected their livelihoods. The union said the recent hike in fuel prices, reportedly influenced by global crude oil fluctuations and rising import costs amid the Iran-US conflict, has pushed many drivers into financial distress.

Auto drivers alleged that despite working nearly 14 h...