Fuel Hike Sparks Sharp Rise in Daily Essentials

New Delhi: Inflation has tightened its grip on common citizens once again as the continuous hike in fuel prices has now triggered a sharp increase in the cost of daily essentials across India. After petrol and diesel prices were raised for the fourth time in just two weeks, the impact is now directly visible in kitchens, grocery bills and transportation costs.

On Monday, petrol prices were increased by ₹2.61 per litre, while diesel became costlier by ₹2.71 per litre. Government-owned oil companies took the decision following the sharp rise in global crude oil prices amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Since May 15, petrol and diesel prices have witnessed a cumulative hike of nearly ₹7.5 per litre. The repeated increase has intensified concerns over rising inflation, higher transportation expenses and the growing burden on middle-class families.

The latest revision pushed petrol prices in Delhi from ₹99.51 to ₹102.12 per litre, while diesel climbed from ₹92.49 to ₹95.20. In Mumbai, petrol reached ₹111.21 and diesel ₹97.83 per litre. Similar hikes were recorded in Kolkata and Chennai as well due to varying state taxes.

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The inflation wave has now spread beyond fuel pumps and entered households directly. Rising transport costs have pushed up the prices of vegetables, edible oils, packaged food and grocery items across major cities, especially in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

What Has Become Costlier?

CNG prices increased by ₹3 to ₹4 per kg, affecting over 51,000 passenger and goods vehicles operating in the Mumbai region. Freight charges have surged, leading to higher prices of essential goods.

Milk prices of Amul, Mother Dairy and Gokul have increased by ₹2 per litre.

Packaged rice now costs between ₹42 and ₹150 per kg depending on quality, mainly due to increased transport expenses.

Vegetable prices have skyrocketed due to heatwaves and supply disruptions. French beans jumped from ₹120 to ₹250 per kg, while tomatoes doubled from ₹25 to ₹50 per kg.

Edible oils including sunflower, soybean and palm oil became costlier by ₹10 to ₹15 per litre. Retail prices have surged to ₹167-₹187 per litre.

Tur dal prices in retail markets have climbed to ₹100-₹130 per kg despite wholesale prices remaining lower.

Bottled water prices are also expected to rise soon, with one-litre bottles likely to increase from ₹20 to ₹25.

FMCG companies have already increased prices of soaps, detergents, packaged foods and other household essentials.

The back-to-back fuel hikes and supply chain disruptions have created a double blow for consumers, making everyday survival increasingly expensive in urban India.