Patna: The third increase in petrol and diesel prices within just 10 days has left residents frustrated, with commuters, transporters, and small traders stating that the repeated hikes are adding pressure to already stretched household budgets.
Price Revision Details
Oil marketing companies revised fuel prices again from Friday night, citing volatility in international crude oil prices amid the escalating US-Iran conflict. Petrol became costlier by 87 paise per litre, while diesel rose by 91 paise per litre. With this latest revision, petrol in Patna increased from Rs 110 to Rs 111 per litre, and diesel rose from Rs 96 to Rs 97 per litre. Earlier, on May 19, petrol prices had gone up by 91 paise and diesel by 89 paise.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The consecutive hikes have pushed fuel prices to a fresh high in 2026, raising fears of further increases in transport and essential commodity costs. A commuter refuelling his bike at Dak Bungalow Chowk expressed concern, saying, "If this is the third hike in 10 days, what will happen in 30?"
An auto driver operating between Kankarbagh and Gandhi Maidan noted that the repeated diesel price increases directly affect his earnings. "I fill 5 litres of diesel every day. In 10 days, my cost has gone up sharply. Fares are the same, but passengers argue if we ask for even Rs 5 extra. How do we survive?" he said.
A schoolteacher from Boring Road mentioned that rising fuel prices are upsetting monthly household calculations. "My petrol bill was around Rs 2,800 last month. With two hikes this week, it will easily cross Rs 3,100. Grocery and vegetable prices are also rising," she explained.
Transporter Warnings
Transporters warned that higher diesel prices would soon affect the cost of essentials. A transporter from Transport Nagar stated, "Fruit, vegetables, and milk transported by road will become costlier if diesel prices continue rising."
Changing Consumer Behaviour
At fuel stations across Patna, attendants reported that more customers are opting for fuel worth Rs 100 or Rs 200 instead of asking for full tanks, indicating a shift in spending habits due to the price hikes.
