Parents of students in private and aided schools in Tiruchi are experiencing a financial strain this academic year as school transport operators have raised their charges due to a significant increase in fuel prices. As of June 6, petrol costs ₹108 per litre, diesel ₹100, and CNG ₹94, prompting operators to adjust fares by 10% to 15% depending on the route. For instance, the fare for children traveling from Thillai Nagar to Kamala Niketan Montessori School has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500, and similar hikes have been noted for other routes. M. Siva, a school van operator, indicated that rising costs of fuel, vehicle servicing, and spare parts necessitated these fare adjustments. Parents, particularly those with multiple children, have voiced their concerns regarding the added financial burden, especially as they manage other educational expenses. While transport operators believe that fare revisions are crucial for maintaining services, they acknowledge that future adjustments will depend on ongoing fuel price fluctuations and overall operational costs.