Hyderabad: Soaring fuel prices are giving a tough time to the people who are using diesel-run vehicles, especially those who operate cabs, tours and travels, as well as transport vehicles. Diesel is costing more than Rs 100 a litre in the city. According to experts, a rise in diesel prices will result in an increase in other commodity prices. On Sunday, the price of diesel in the state capital was Rs 101.24. per litre. On October 1, it was Rs 98.35.
Marri Amarender Reddy, president, Telangana Petrol Dealers' Association, said, “In the twin cities, around 40 lakh litres of diesel and 35 lakh of petrol are sold out each day through 800 outlets. October is the month of festivals and more vehicles are on the move. As of now, consumption has gone down, it is only in January we can assess the graph.”
Shaik Salauddin, president, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, said, “Constant rise in diesel price is hitting the earnings of common drivers who are engaged in cab services, that include app-based services, tours and travels. These people have just come out on roads after the lockdowns and started earning. With difficulty they are able to pay their monthly instalments. These hikes push them into difficulties. The government is creating a tough situation for those depending on these businesses.”
He added, “App-based companies which are involved in cab services are not raising the fare, but the landing cost for the driver is increased. This is leading to less earning. The companies and the government should consider these workers’ earnings.”
According to B.P. Padala, chairman, Roots Collegium, “It’s simple economics, most of the major transport is fuelled by diesel, when the price of the diesel goes up, goods which are dependent on transportation will definitely get costlier. The government has to look into all these aspects before increasing the price of diesel. This rise will make the common man’s life difficult.”
