"The fare is set too low. Since consumer prices keep rising, it's not reasonable that the taxi fare stays unchanged," said Ma Chuguang, another Beijing taxi driver.

Ma suggests that the base fare be increased to 20 yuan for the first 4 km and to 2.5 yuan for each additional kilometer.

He said the fare should be proportionate to the real function of a taxi, which is to meet the demand of people in urgent need. The current fare is too cheap and has encouraged all people, whether in a hurry or not, to take taxis, and made taxis hard to get for the many who really need them.

Deputy Minister of Transport Feng Zhenglin said at a work conference in late February that each city would be obliged to adjust taxi fares to reflect fuel price changes.

Questions:

1. Who will receive subsidies in the wake of fuel price hikes?

2. How much will they receive?

3. How much will motorists in Beijing pay for gas?

Answers:

1. Taxi drivers nationwide.

2. About 300 yuan ($47.50) a month.

3. 8.33 yuan for a liter of 93-octane fuel.

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