Jaipur: Fuel prices were revised upward on Tuesday for the second time in a week, intensifying the burden on consumers already facing shortages across the state.
Price hike details
In Jaipur, petrol rose by 94 paise to Rs 108.91 per litre, diesel by 91 paise to Rs 94.14, and extra premium petrol by 94 paise to Rs 118.22. The hike came even as petrol pump operators reported supply shortfalls of up to 35%, leaving many stations dry or operating with limited stock.
Scenes of crisis across state
Across the state, the crisis played out on Tuesday in tense scenes. In Pali, frustrated customers heckled pump staff as outlets ran out of fuel. At Salawas depot near Jodhpur, long queues of tankers waiting for refill spilled onto the roads, causing traffic jams.
Commuters crowded pumps in every district, anxious to refill amid uncertainty, while highway outlets rationed supplies, capping refills between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 per vehicle.
Political reactions
In Jodhpur, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that nearly 40% of pumps had gone dry, with rationing restricting refills to Rs 1,000 worth of fuel. The opposition accused the government of misleading the public about the extent of the shortage, urging transparency to prevent panic.
Government measures
The administration has announced that it would take measures to conserve fuel. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had said a weekly "No Vehicle Day" would be introduced. Officials insisted supplies were being restored, but acknowledged delays in tanker movements had worsened the situation.
Impact on daily life
For ordinary residents, the impact was immediate. Long queues, rationing, and rising costs disrupted daily travel and business. Transporters and industries reliant on diesel faced mounting expenses, while tourism operators worried about logistics for weddings and fairs. Anger and frustration were visible at pumps, where staff bore the brunt of public ire.
