News that Karwa has raised its minimum fare to ride a taxi has upset many of its lower-income customers and the company’s cab drivers.

After denying rumors of a fare increase earlier this month, the company confirmed today that is has hiked its minimum fare charge from QR4 to QR10.

It is the second increase in three years – in 2008, it raised the minimum fare from QR3 to QR4.

To some, especially those who have longer commutes, the increase won’t make a big difference. But to others already pinched by rising food and rent prices, every riyal counts.

The Qatar Tribune reports:

A Nepali resident Samsuddeen said, “The cost of living is already high in Qatar because of high house rents and food prices. Prices of everything from milk to rice and soft drinks have gone up in recent times. In such circumstances, to increase the minimum taxi fare from QR4 to QR10 is totally uncalled for.”

As for rental Karwa drivers who have been complaining against the mandatory daily payment of QR 265 to Mowasalat, the decision has come as a shock too as they believe that it would deter short-distance passengers from boarding their taxis. 

A Karwa driver on condition of anonymity said, “It will benefit illegal private taxi business the most.

What do you guys think about the fare increase?