Fuel prices hiked again by nearly Re 1, compounds short-supply crisis

Jaipur: Fuel prices were revised upward Tuesday, second time in a week, further intensifying the burden on consumers already facing shortages across the state.

In Jaipur, petrol rose by 94 paise to Rs 108.91 a litre, diesel by 91 paise to Rs 94.14, and extra premium petrol by 94 paise to Rs 118.22. The hike came even as petrol pump operators reported supply shortfalls of up to 35%, leaving many stations dry or operating with limited stock.

Across the state, the crisis played out Tuesday in tense scenes. In Pali, frustrated customers heckled pump staff as outlets ran out of fuel. At Salawas depot near Jodhpur, long queues of tankers waiting for refill spilled onto the roads, causing traffic jams.

Commuters crowded pumps in every district, anxious to refill amid uncertainty, while highway outlets rationed supplies, capping refills between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 per vehicle.

In Jodhpur, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that nearly 40% of pumps had gone dry, with rationing restricting refills to Rs 1,000 worth of fuel.

The opposition accused the govt of misleading the public about the extent of the shortage, urging transparency to prevent panic.

The administration, meanwhile, has announced that it would take measures to conserve fuel.

Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had said a weekly “No Vehicle Day” would be introduced.

Officials insisted supplies were being restored, but acknowledged delays in tanker movements had worsened the situation.

For ordinary residents, the impact was immediate. Long queues, rationing, and rising costs disrupted daily travel and business. Transporters and industries reliant on diesel faced mounting expenses, while tourism operators worried about logistics for weddings and fairs. Anger and frustration were visible at pumps, where staff bore the brunt of public ire.