Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : New Delhi, May 25: Petrol and diesel prices continued to rise sharply across the country, adding fresh financial pressure on middle-class families already struggling with increasing living expenses. In less than two weeks, fuel prices were hiked for the fourth time on Monday, triggering concern among daily commuters, transport operators and common citizens.

The national capital New Delhi, the price of petrol increased by Rs 2.61 per litre, while diesel became costlier by Rs 2.71 per litre. Following the latest revision, petrol is now being sold at Rs 102.12 per litre in the capital, whereas diesel has reached Rs 95.20 per litre. The repeated increase in fuel prices has once again sparked debate over inflation and its impact on household budgets.

Despite the steep rise, one customer at a petrol pump expressed support for the government’s decision. The customer said that whatever steps are necessary to protect the country should be taken and blamed the ongoing Israel war for the sudden increase in fuel prices. The remark reflects the mixed public reaction, with some citizens linking the price hike to global geopolitical tensions and instability in the international crude oil market.

The impact of the price rise has also been strongly felt in Kolkata, where petrol prices jumped by Rs 2.87 per litre. The new petrol price in the city now stands at Rs 113.51 per litre. Diesel prices in Kolkata also witnessed a major increase of Rs 2.80 per litre, pushing the new rate to Rs 99.82 per litre. Residents and vehicle owners in the city expressed concern over the continuous rise, fearing that transport costs and prices of essential commodities may rise further in the coming days.

Mumbai, petrol prices increased by Rs 2.72 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs 111.18 per litre. Diesel prices in the financial capital also rose sharply by Rs 2.81 per litre, with one litre now costing Rs 97.83. Similarly, in Chennai, petrol became costlier by Rs 2.46 per litre, raising the new price to Rs 107.77 per litre. Diesel prices there also climbed by Rs 2.57 per litre, reaching Rs 99.55 per litre.

Apart from these metropolitan cities, petrol and diesel prices have increased across several other states including Gujarat and Rajasthan. The fresh hike is expected to have a widespread impact on transportation, agriculture, and essential goods, as fuel prices play a crucial role in determining overall market costs.

With inflation already affecting household spending, the repeated increase in fuel prices has left many middle-class families worried about managing daily expenses. Economists believe that if global crude oil prices continue to remain unstable, fuel prices in India may witness further fluctuations in the coming weeks.