Repeated fuel price hikes set to disrupt household budgets, disposable income

Jaipur: After the fourth hike in less than two weeks, fuel prices have surged to record levels, disrupting household budgets and raising transportation costs. In Jaipur, petrol prices became costlier by Rs 2.82 per litre, rising from Rs 109.84 to Rs 112.66, while diesel rose by Rs 2.73 to Rs 97.78 from Rs 95.05. Premium XP petrol also became costlier by Rs 2.82, reaching Rs 121.97 per litre.

The successive hikes have sparked concern among commuters, transporters and small businesses. Auto-rickshaw drivers and taxi operators said they were left with little choice but to consider fare increases, as margins have eroded sharply. Daily commuters, particularly those reliant on two-wheelers, reported that the rising costs were forcing them to cut back on non-essential travel.

Industry representatives said that the hikes are likely to ripple through the economy. With freight charges set to rise, prices of essential commodities such as vegetables, grains and dairy products could see upward revisions. Small traders and shopkeepers warned that higher logistics costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers.

Transport unions said the situation was becoming untenable, with diesel nearing the Rs 100 mark. “Every revision adds to our burden. We cannot absorb these costs indefinitely,” one union representative remarked. Delivery services and logistics firms echoed similar concerns, pointing to rising operational expenses.

Rajendra Singh Bhati, president of Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association, said, “While the state govt stands to gain higher revenue collections through taxes and duties on fuel sales, the inflationary impact could offset these gains.”

Consumer groups have urged temporary tax relief to cushion households, but officials maintain that price revisions are linked to national oil marketing company decisions. With repeated increases, consumers are facing rising costs and shrinking disposable incomes, affecting their daily lives.