Price hike triggers rush at fuel stations, sparks people’s anger

Patna: Crowds were seen at fuel stations across Patna on Friday as people rushed to refuel their vehicles. Long queues formed at several stations and owners struggled to manage the rush.

After the conclusion of assembly elections in four states, petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs3 per litre across the country on Friday. Residents said the hike has added to the burden on common people already hit by rising LPG cylinder prices.

“Sarkar ko sirf vote se matlab hai. Desh ke rajyon me election khatam nahi hua aur petrol-diesel ka daam badha diya (Govt only cares for votes. As soon as the elections were over, petrol and diesel prices were hiked),” said Rajesh Kumar, a private firm employee, who was refuelling his bike at a fuel station near Dak Bungalow crossing.

The hike, which came amid escalating West Asia crisis, pushed petrol prices to Rs108.55 per litre and diesel to Rs94.63 per litre in the state capital. Premium petrol rose to Rs117.46 per litre.

CNG prices also increased by Rs2 per kg in major cities, adding to the burden on daily commuters.

The impact was immediate, with fuel stations witnessing heavy rush as people lined up to refill before the news of the hike spread further. Station owners deployed extra staff to manage the crowds, while some stations also witnessed arguments over supply.

“By 8am, we had far more vehicles than usual. People fear prices may rise again. Most two-wheeler riders are filling fuel worth Rs200 or Rs500, just enough for a few days,” said Ravi Singh, owner of a fuel station on Nehru Path (Bailey Road).

For autorickshaw drivers, the hike threatens daily earnings. Mithilesh Paswan, who has been driving an auto in Patna for the last 12 years, said his margins are shrinking rapidly.

“Diesel was Rs91.65 yesterday. Today it is Rs 94.65. I drive nearly 100km daily. That means an additional Rs300 every day and around Rs9,000 a month,” he said while waiting in a queue at a fuel station in Anisabad.

“But I cannot increase fares overnight. Passengers argue even if we ask for Rs5 more. How do we survive?” he added.

Several homemakers flagged the ripple effect of the fuel price hike.

“LPG cylinder already costs Rs1,011. Now fuel prices too have increased. When diesel becomes costlier, everything will become expensive, including vegetables, milk and school van fees. We are already struggling after LPG price hikes. Now transport and travel costs will also rise. Where is the relief for the middle class?” said Pinki Gupta, a resident of Boring Road.

Students and office-goers said they are rethinking travel expenses. Some said offices and colleges should again consider work-from-home and online classes. They added that though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to people to work from home, many private companies have not taken any initiative in this regard.

Rahul, a sales executive who travels 80-90km daily on his motorcycle, said the increase has sharply reduced his savings.

“With petrol at Rs108.55 per litre, I spend around Rs220 daily on fuel. My company pays Rs6 per km. Earlier I managed to save nearly Rs300 a day, now it is barely Rs150,” he said.

“If this continues, many of us may quit,” he added.

Priya Kumari, a BA student who commutes daily from Phulwarisharif to Patna College, said she may have to cut down on classes.

“My father gives me Rs100 a day for bus and auto fares. With this hike, auto fares will also increase. Either I skip coaching classes or walk 2km to save money,” she said.

Meanwhile, All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation general secretary Rajkumar Jha also criticised the fuel price hike.

“The central and state govts collect more than 50% tax on petrol and diesel. If global fuel prices have increased, the govts should reduce taxes to provide relief to common people,” he said.