In what is directly impacting the pocket of common man’s monthly budget, the price rise in fuel during last six months is particularly cruel. With same amount of money, a person is able to buy 16% less fuel which means, a person who could purchase 2 liters of petrol on 15th April this year, can buy only 1.68 liters today.
This also means a person who commutes 20 kilometers one way on a bike giving fuel efficiency of 60 kilometer/litre, will have to come walking back every sixth time, if he doesn’t want to sacrifice his other items on his personal budget.
Petrol in Ahmedabad has increased from Rs.87.57 on 15th April this year to Rs.104.24 today. Similarly, diesel has increased from Rs. 86.96 to Rs. 103.81 during same period.
The spiral effect of this increase in fuel price have touched gas for domestic consumption also. Adani Total Gas Limited has increased the prices of PNG from Rs.1,061.20 per MMBtu to Rs. 1089.20 MMBtu for consumption up to 1.60 Metric Million British Thermal Units.
The daily revised upward prices are making it difficult for cab owners and transporters too, to keep track of their cost analysis. Even after increasing their tariffs up to 20% more, there is always chance to take the hit for the price rise between the time a contract is made and it’s execution.
There is increased clamour for bringing petrol and diesel in the GST fold, but it appears highly unlikely with Central Government reaping millions as excise duty and the common man convinced that to enjoy “free” vaccination, one has to pay through fuel.
