Aurangabad, Jan 13:
Fuel prices hit a new record on Wednesday in the city. For the first time, petrol is being sold at Rs 92.31 and diesel at Rs 82.57 per litre. The price of petrol may soon touch a hundred. The rising fuel prices have become a cause of concern for the citizens.
The three fuel distribution companies, HPCL, BPCL and IOC, announce petrol and diesel rates every morning at 6 am. Compared to Tuesday, petrol went up by 25 paise and diesel by 26 paise. Petrol was being sold at Rs 92.31 and diesel at Rs 82.57 per litre on Wednesday. On January 1, petrol was priced at Rs 91.53 per litre and diesel at Rs 81.71 per litre. On January 7, petrol was being sold at Rs 92.05 and diesel at Rs 82.29. Concerns are being raised that the increase in freight rates will further push up prices of essential commodities and its economic impact on the common man.
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Transporters may close the business
For the first time, the price of diesel has gone up to Rs 83. Diesel accounts for 80 per cent of the total cost of transportation. Toll rates have gone up by 15 per cent. Despite the price hike in fuel, the companies are not ready to increase freight rates due to the agreement. Hence many transporters are thinking of closing down the business said Faiyaz Khan, president, Aurangabad Transport Association.
Fuel more expensive in the city than Delhi
Aurangabadkars have to pay more for fuel than Delhi. Citizens pay Rs 7 in excess for petrol per litre, while diesel costs Rs 6 to 7 more than Delhi. In Mumbai, petrol is priced at Rs 91.07, diesel at Rs 81.34, while in Pune, petrol is priced at Rs 90.75 and diesel at Rs 79.80 per litre.