Chandigarh: A fresh increase in fuel prices has pushed petrol rates past the Rs 100 mark in several parts of Punjab, sparking concern among commuters, transporters and farmers alike. Diesel prices have also gone up sharply by Rs 3 per litre, adding to worries of rising costs across multiple sectors.
In Chandigarh, petrol is now retailing at Rs 97.44 per litre, while diesel has climbed to Rs 85.56. Across Punjab, however, petrol prices have breached Rs 100 in several cities, with diesel now touching nearly Rs 91 in many areas.
The sudden hike triggered long queues at petrol pumps on Thursday as people rushed to refuel before any further revisions. In Amritsar, reports said one fuel station in the Islamabad area temporarily ran dry due to unusually high demand.
Industry experts say the increase is linked to rising crude oil prices in the international market, coupled with growing costs of additives used in refining fuel. Petrol pump dealers have warned that if global oil rates remain elevated, another upward revision cannot be ruled out in the coming days.
Ludhiana Petrol Pump Association president Ashok Sachdeva said the latest revision was lower than what many had anticipated given global market trends. He added that consumers should use fuel judiciously as more price adjustments could follow.
The rise is expected to impact household budgets beyond just vehicle owners. Transport costs for goods movement are likely to increase, making vegetables, fruits and daily essentials costlier. Farmers may also face higher operational expenses due to increased diesel costs for tractors and irrigation pumps, particularly ahead of the paddy sowing season.
Public transport operators and school transport services may also review fares if prices remain high for an extended period.
The hike comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to cut back on fuel consumption in view of global tensions in West Asia. Speaking at an event in Telangana, the Prime Minister advised people to use petrol, diesel and gas only when necessary to help conserve foreign exchange and reduce the indirect economic impact of international conflicts.
With global uncertainty continuing, consumers across Punjab are bracing for the possibility that fuel prices could climb even higher in the weeks ahead.
