Petrol and diesel prices have witnessed a major hike across the country, with the revised rates coming into effect from 6 am on Friday. Government oil companies have increased fuel prices together after nearly four years, leading to a significant impact on common public. With new rates in place, consumers will now have to pay more for every litre of petrol and diesel. According to reports, prices of both petrol and diesel have been increased by nearly Rs 3 per litre. In Jabalpur, petrol is now being sold at Rs 109.79 per litre, while diesel has reached Rs 95 per litre. Earlier, petrol was priced at Rs 106.51 per litre and diesel at Rs 91.91 per litre. Officials and market experts have attributed the hike to the continuous rise in crude oil prices in the international market and increasing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Oil companies said that fuel prices had remained stable for a long period, but rising operational and import costs forced them to revise the rates. Increase is expected to directly affect daily lives of common citizens.

 

Higher transportation costs may lead to a rise in prices of vegetables, milk, groceries and other essential commodities. Transport sector representatives warned that freight charges may also increase if fuel prices continue to rise. People also believe that app-based cab services such as Rapido, Ola, auto-rickshaws and other transport services could soon become more expensive, adding further burden on salaried employees and students. Opposition parties have also criticised the Government, alleging that the public, already struggling with inflation, is now being forced to bear an additional financial burden. Meanwhile, discussions have also resurfaced regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier appeal for fuel conservation, during which efforts were reportedly made to reduce the number of vehicles in official convoys. Citizens say that while the Government has promoted fuel-saving measures, the latest price hike has increased economic pressure on ordinary families.