Fuel price hike is nothing but rubbing salt on wounds

HUBLI: The recent hike in the prices of LPG, diesel and kerosene is adding to the problems of the people of Hubli-Dharwad who are already burdened by the exorbitant price of essential commodities.
The sudden hike has prompted hoteliers and private transporters, including autorickshaw owners, to think of increasing the fare for their services.
The residents of the twin cities were already feeling the heat of the hike with a rise in the fare of public transport buses plying between Hubli and Dharwad.
Dharwad Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners' Association vice-president Ismail Tamatger said the hike in fuel prices has severely affected the auto business in Hubli. "It's difficult to convince the passengers if we hike the fare," he said, adding: "We charge Rs 17 to commute 2.5 km as the minimum charge. With the hike in fuel price, we are planning to increase the minimum fare to Rs 20. We will discuss the matter with higher authorities and decide on that soon." Auto owners are finding it difficult to maintain their vehicles, while the drivers earn Rs 80 to 100 (after deductions) which is a meagre sum to make ends meet. Auto driver Malatesh said increasing the fare is the only option "as most of the autos run on LPG".
Hubli Hotels' Association vice-president Krishnamurthy U said hotels use commercial cylinders. "Generally, the government increases the price of commercial LPG by Rs 20-30 every 6-7 seven months. We are now paying Rs 1,300 for 19.5-kg cylinder," he added. After the recent hike, they had increased the price of dosa and other snacks by Re 1-Rs 2. "We may further increase it if the transportation cost rises," he said.
Ravi Patil, Basavaraj Kambli and others, who regularly travel between Hubli and Dharwad, blamed the central government for not bothering about the common man. "We pay Rs 15 for non-stop bus to travel between Hubli and Dharwad, Rs 291 to travel between Hubli and Bangalore (it was Rs 273 earlier). We have to shell out Rs 464 if have to reach the capital in Rajhans bus (it was Rs 431 earlier)," they said, adding: "In order to mitigate our sufferings, the government should roll back the hike."