AP transport body urges Centre to avoid fuel price hike

Vijayawada: AP Lorry Owners Association general secretary and south zone vice president of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), YV Eswara Rao, on Monday urged the central govt to drop any plans to hike fuel prices. He said the sector is already under strain due to persistently high fuel costs."Despite a decline in crude oil prices in international markets over the past two to three years, the benefits have not reached consumers. The transport industry continues to bear the burden," Rao stated.He cautioned that any further increase in fuel prices would directly impact lorry owners and drivers, while also placing an additional financial burden on the general public.Rao pointed out that global conditions remain relatively stable, with no immediate signs of a sharp rise in crude oil prices. In this context, he called on the govt to reconsider any proposal to increase fuel prices.Highlighting the broader economic impact, he warned that higher fuel costs would lead to increased transportation expenses, which would inevitably drive up the prices of essential commodities. "This could further accelerate inflation and raise the overall cost of living," he said.The transport body has appealed to the govt to take a balanced decision in the interest of economic stability and avoid any increase in petrol and diesel prices.