Bella Jaisinghani, Mumbai: Members of the goods and services industry that consume vast amounts of fuel expressed concern on Monday that the rapid succession of fuel price hikes will slow down the wheels of their trade. The latest increase on Monday has brought fresh anxiety to fishermen whose boats run on diesel, as well as to courier firms, logistics companies, packers and movers, and vegetable and fruit traders.
Impact on Transport and Logistics
Saki Naka in Andheri, the hub of transport, logistics, and courier firms, is feeling the pinch. One service provider stated, "The courier, logistics, packing, and moving industry is in distress. Electric vehicles cannot handle heavy loads or travel thousands of kilometers cross-country, so they are not a viable alternative for petrol and diesel vehicles."
Delivery boys who earn monthly wages or are paid per consignment are also worried. Datta Sable from Amboli said, "I work for a grocery store that pays me a fixed sum per delivery within a 3 km radius. I use my own vehicle and am anxious about deducting fuel expenses from my daily take-home earnings. My co-riders say prices will rise further. How will I manage household expenses and travel?"
Fisheries Sector in Crisis
The fisheries industry is classified as a 'bulk consumer' of diesel and consequently pays a higher rate of Rs 155 per litre, according to Devendra Tandel of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti. He said, "Burdened by industrial bulk pricing, fisheries have been reeling under a Rs 75 per litre increase since March. If these prices persist after the monsoon ban in July, 95% of our fishing vessels will be forced to dock permanently."
Seafood exporter Irfan Khan of Harbour Exports added, "We were already struggling with US-imposed tariffs. Catch is less due to climatic conditions. Many orders have been canceled because of the West Asia war, and now the diesel hike means we won't be able to sustain."
Ripple Effect on Traders and Consumers
Traders in APMC are also worried. Nileshh Veera, director of APMC, said, "The increase in transportation rates is already showing a ripple effect on wages and prices of essential items. It will percolate downward in the next one month. Consumers will have to bear the brunt."
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