Pune: Fuel prices, especially of petrol, in Pune city have been steadily increasing. Petrol price has been hiked by Rs 1.5 in a fortnight due to which citizens have to shell out almost Rs 90 per litre to move around the city. The petrol rate on Saturday (December 5) was at Rs 89.44 per litre.
The petrol dealers are hopeful that the fuel prices will not cross the Rs 90 mark. Citizens however have expressed their displeasure over the consistent price hike.
The price of petrol has crept up to almost 90 Rs/ltr (Pune) and nobody seems to be concerned.
Only a matter of time before someone starts making it an issue
— Arun Iyer (@arun_s_i) December 5, 2020
The Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state had recently increased the levies on fuel from June 1. The consumption of petrol and diesel had increased since June, as several relaxations were given by the government from the lockdown.
The previous state government had imposed a Rs 3 per litre cess on fuel due to the drought situation in the state. However, now there is no drought-like situation and hence the Maha Vikas Aghadi government can take back the cess of Rs 3 per litre to provide relief to common citizens.
Ali Daruwala, Spokesperson of the All India Petrol Dealers Association told media persons that the fuel prices have gone up due to increased international demand.
“Fuel rates increase during this time of year as the consumption of fuel in western countries jumps up during their winter season. The fuel rates will stabilise in the coming five days and drop once the winter season gets over. It is unlikely that the petrol rate will cross Rs 90 per litre mark,” said Daruwala.