Wage, fuel spike hit ATM cash services in four states

A one-day disruption affected ATM operations and cash availability in four Indian states due to a standoff between cash logistics firms and banks over service fee revisions. Industry executives estimate wage costs have surged 40-50 percent over the past year, and collective industry losses have crossed 100 crore rupees, prompting renegotiations with private sector banks while public sector lenders remain outside talks. Operations are expected to resume from Tuesday as several private banks agreed to revised commercial terms, though ATMs operated by state-owned banks in tier-2 and tier-3 cities may remain vulnerable if no resolution is reached.