Members of the goods and services industry that consume vast amounts of fuel expressed concern on Monday that rapid fuel price hikes will slow down their trade. The latest increase on Monday has brought fresh anxiety to fishermen relying on diesel for their boats, courier firms, logistics companies, packers and movers, as well as vegetable and fruit traders.
Transport and Logistics Hub in Distress
Saki Naka in Andheri, a hub for transport, logistics, and courier firms, is feeling the heat. A 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 an alternative for petrol-diesel vehicles."
Delivery Boys Worried
Delivery boys earning monthly wages or paid per consignment are also concerned. 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 Industry Hit Hard
The fisheries industry, classified as a 'bulk consumer' of diesel, 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 Exporters Struggling
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 cancelled due to the West Asia war, and now the diesel hike means we won't be able to sustain."
Traders Fear Ripple Effect
Traders at APMC are also worried. Nilesh Veera, director of APMC, said, "Increase in transportation rates is already showing a ripple effect on wages and prices of essential items. It will trickle down in the next one month. Consumers will have to bear the brunt."
