Bokaro: The sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices in recent days has started affecting residents and businesses across Bokaro, with sweet shop owners, restaurant operators and vegetable vendors complaining about rising operational costs.
Impact on Businesses
Traders across the city said on Tuesday that transportation charges, cooking expenses and the cost of raw materials have increased steadily over the past two weeks, forcing them to revise the prices of several food items and vegetables.
The latest fuel price hike on Monday added to the burden on businesses already struggling with inflation. Petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 2.7 to Rs 2.8 per litre across the country, marking the fourth hike in the last 10 days. Since May 15, fuel prices have risen by nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.
Petrol Pump Reaction
“Petrol is currently being sold at Rs 105.62 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 100.77 per litre,” said Utpal Mukherjee, owner of Usha Petrol Pump in Sector 1. “Fuel sales have slightly declined at several petrol pumps after the recent hikes as people are trying to reduce unnecessary travel,” he added.
Rising Food Prices
The impact of rising fuel prices has also started reflecting in the prices of groceries, fruits and vegetables in local markets. One of the city’s prominent sweet shops has already increased the prices of several products by up to Rs 20.
Vegetable vendors said produce arriving from nearby villages has remained comparatively stable, but vegetables transported from outside the state have become costlier. “Retail potato prices have increased by around Rs 2 per kg, while onions arriving from Nashik and other states have also become expensive. If fuel prices continue to rise, vegetable rates may increase further from next week,” said Anil Kumar, a vegetable vendor in Sector 5.
Consumer Concerns
“Fuel price hikes are affecting middle-class families the most,” said local resident Anita Devi.
