Fuel Prices Hiked Third Time in Eight Days, Andhra Pradesh Braces for Cost Surge

 Vijayawada: Consumers across Andhra Pradesh are reeling under yet another increase in fuel prices, with oil marketing companies hiking petrol and diesel rates on Saturday for the third time in just eight days, raising fears of a cascading impact on transport, agriculture, industries and household budgets.

Petrol prices were increased by around 87 paise per litre and diesel by nearly 91 paise per litre on Saturday. The latest revision follows earlier hikes on May 15 and May 19 amid continued volatility in global crude oil markets triggered by the prolonged West Asia crisis.

Overall, petrol and diesel prices have gone up by nearly Rs 5 per litre within a little more than a week. In Vijayawada, petrol now costs close to Rs 114.95 per litre, while diesel crossed Rs 102 per litre in several districts, including Guntur and Kakinada. In Visakhapatnam, petrol is priced Rs 113.53 and diesel Rs 101.27, in Eluru Rs 114.11 and Rs 102.72, and in Chittoor Rs 115.52 and Rs 103.02. The prices vary slightly depending on the Oil Company and locality.

The repeated hikes have sparked anxiety among the public, with many fearing that fuel prices may continue to rise periodically in the coming weeks. Sources in oil marketing companies said gradual revisions were being preferred to avoid sudden public backlash while aligning domestic prices with international crude trends.

Andhra Pradesh consumes nearly 1.3 crore litres of petrol and diesel daily through more than 3,800 fuel retail outlets operated by Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and private firms. Diesel accounts for a major share of consumption due to the state’s heavy dependence on road transport, agriculture and industrial activity.

Transport operators warned that rising diesel prices would soon force an increase in freight charges. APSRTC and private bus operators said their operational burden had gone up sharply, while auto-rickshaw and cab drivers complained that passengers were resisting fare hikes despite mounting fuel expenses.

AP Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation president P. Bhaskar Rao said a further rise in diesel prices could seriously affect the industrial and transport sectors. “If diesel prices continue to rise, several sectors may turn unviable. The Centre should intervene and provide relief,” he said.

Farmers also expressed concern over rising cultivation costs as tractors and diesel pump sets are extensively used during the ongoing agricultural season. Traders fear higher transport costs could push up prices of vegetables, milk and other essential commodities.