Mumbaikars resist fuel hike

The central government’s announcement of hike in price of petrol, diesel, kerosene and cooking gas has left the common man distraught.

“The rise in petrol price has cut a deep hole in our daily household budget. We spend at least Rs 6,000 to 7,000 on petrol every month. Now it will increase by 10 to 20 per cent. We have to adjust our budget according to the rising prices. It’s not possible to cut down on travelling as even the prices for public transport have gone up,” says Rajni Joshi, a homemaker from Worli.

The central government announced on Friday that petrol and diesel will cost up to Rs3.60 per litre more, diesel will be dearer by Rs2.10 per litre, households will have to pay an additional Rs35 per cooking gas cylinder and poor man’s cooking medium kerosene will be costlier by Rs3 a litre.

“With this fuel price hike and increased fares of cabs and autos, how can middle-class and lower middle-class people survive in this city?” says an agitated Rajesh Sharma, a private employee.

Some said that they had to take the price in their stride for practical
reasons. “I will continue using branded petrol even if it costs three to four rupees more. If I use unbranded or cheap quality petrol, the
engine of my vehicle will be affected. I might end up spending more on the repair charges of the engine,” said Avni Patel, a hair stylist working in a salon in Bandra.