People turn furious as possibility of fuel price hike gains momentum

KOLKATA/CHENNAI - Even as the decision to hike fuel prices has been deferred for the time being and a panel led by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will soon decide upon it, the probability of an increase in fuel prices has agitated the common people at large.

In Kolkata, furious people said that the fuel price hike will only add to their problems.

“If the diesel prices go up, it affects each and every item, grocery item, stationary item in each and every item on a day to day basis. Our buying will be affected directly,” said Deep Ghosh, a resident of Kolkata.

“Again if there would be a price hike then obviously it would be very difficult for the consumers and customers, for us like invest another 2-3 rupees for litre of petrol. It would obviously be very inconvenient,” said Pankaj Dutta, a resident of Kolkata.

In Chennai, car owners were unhappy with the proposed hike.

“It’s going to become 54-55, which is like very very sad. As working it’s going to really affect me. The 3-4 litres will also really really affect me. So I hope they don’t increase it just remains the same” said Gunjan a resident of Chennai.

The empowered group of ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will meet to consider the Kirit Parikh Committee report, which suggests deregulation of fuel prices.

If the proposal is accepted, domestic LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) will also see a rise of Rs.25-50 per cylinder with a marginal increase in the price of Kerosene as well.

The reason for price rise is the ever increasing international crude oil prices, presently at 75 dollars per barrel, has been a headache for both the government and the state run oil firms. ANI)