The hike of Rs 3 per litre for petrol and diesel by the Central Government disappointed the commuters, transporters, farmers and businessmen here on Friday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 97.92 per litre while the diesel is being sold at Rs 90.39 per litre. Earlier, petrol rate was Rs 94.93 per litre and diesel was Rs 87.39 per litre.
People said that the sudden rise in the prices will affect their daily budget.
Dharambir Malik, State President, All India Motor Transport Congress and district president, Paniapt Transport Association, raised concern over the fuel price hike. Giving an example, Malik said that a truck usually consumed approximately 1,000 litres diesel from Panipat to Mumbai after which the cost has been increased Rs 3,000 per round while the toll tax of Rs 30-32 thousand has also been paid to the government. But, the fare is not being increased according to the hike in fuel price, he said. “Now, the margin of the transporters would be reduced.”
Apart from it, the government has imposed Green Tax upon the transporters. Earlier, Green Tax was Rs 3,200, but now it has been increased to Rs 5,200. “No vehicle would enter Delhi on May 21, 22 and May 23,” Malik added.
Jitender Kumar, a resident of Panipat said, “With the hike in fuel price, the production and transportation cost would also increase which will directly affect the life of a common people. Already inflation is at its peak, and now it would increase even more.”
Vinod Dhamija, Chairman and Rajiv Aggarwal, Secretary, Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Panipat Chapter, said that the industry is facing a challenging period. “Due to the war, the price hike in row material, gas, fuel and even increase in wages by the government, have increased the tensions across industries.”
Petrol sold at Rs 98.08 per litre in Karnal
The Union Government’s decision to increase the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre on Friday has led to widespread disappointment among commuters and transporters across the district. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 98.08 per litre in Karnal.
Auto-rickshaw drivers and taxi operators said that the hike would reduce their earnings and may force them to increase fares.
“We will have no option but to increase fares," said Vishal, an auto driver.
Opposition leaders criticised the government and demanded immediate rollback of the revised rates.
“The government did not reduce prices despite having low rates of crude oil. It is an extra burden on common people and it should be rolled back," said Shamsher Singh Gogi, former Congress MLA from Assandh.
With a hike in fuel prices, petrol is being sold at Rs 99.01 per litre in Ambala Cantonment on Friday.
Amit Goel, a local resident, said, “The prices were expected to rise amid the ongoing crisis, and after the Prime Minister’s recent advice regarding fuel conservation, it was obvious that the prices are set to increase. However, the government should ensure that the prices are not further increased sharply.”
