Fuel price hike spawns host of problems for ‘aam aadmi’

Hyderabad: As fuel prices continue to increase for the fourth time in a span of 10 days, the impact is being felt by lower middle-class sections, who are struggling to meet their daily needs. From daily commuters to auto drivers, small workers are finding it difficult to manage their everyday expenses.

Along with fuel, the prices of food, transport and other essential goods have also increased, adding more pressure on ordinary people. Auto drivers are among the worst affected.

Hyderabad has nearly 1.2 to 1.5 lakh auto drivers, who depend entirely on their daily earnings. With fuel prices on the rise, many drivers say they are left with very little income after paying for fuel.

“Earlier, I could save some money after a day’s work. Now, most of my earnings go into filling petrol,” said Renjith, an auto driver, in the city. Auto drivers have also started increasing fares.

The rising fuel prices and increase in auto fares have also changed the travel habits of many office workers and labourers. People, who once used their own two-wheelers, are now shifting to buses and metro trains to reduce expenses.

However, this has resulted in overcrowding in public transport, especially during peak office hours. Satya Narayanan, a security guard, travelling nearly 18 km every day, shared his concern.

“Earlier, one litre of petrol would last for three days. Now, for the same amount of money, it lasts only two days. Even if the situation becomes normal, I don’t think the prices will come down again,” he said.

Interestingly, despite the increase in fuel costs, petrol pumps continue to witness steady demand.

A fuel station manager, Gaddam Vinod, said, “Even after the rise in fuel prices, sales are still going well.” This shows how fuel has become a basic necessity that people cannot avoid, no matter how expensive it becomes.

Many citizens are now looking at electric vehicles as an alternative solution. EVs are considered cheaper in the long run and environmentally friendly. However, for many middle-class families, the high purchase cost of electric vehicles remains a major challenge.

With no immediate relief in sight, rising fuel prices continue to affect millions of lives across the country, forcing people to rethink their daily spending and transportation choices.