In a concerning trend for consumers, petrol and diesel prices have been raised for the fourth time in a just two weeks, marking a significant increase in the cost of fuel across the country. On Monday, petrol prices in Delhi rose by ₹2.61, bringing the total cost to ₹102.12 per litre. Diesel also saw an increase of ₹2.71, now priced at ₹95.20 per litre, according to reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI).

The price hikes have been felt nationwide, with major metropolitan areas experiencing sharp increases. In Mumbai, drivers are now paying ₹111.21 for a litre of petrol, while diesel costs ₹97.83 per litre. Kolkata has recorded the highest petrol price among the four major cities, reaching ₹113.51 per litre. Chennai follows closely behind with petrol priced at ₹107.77 and diesel at ₹99.55 per litre.

This surge in fuel prices is not a recent occurrence. Since the government resumed the revision of fuel rates on May 15 after a four-year hiatus, both petrol and diesel prices have escalated by nearly ₹7.5 per litre in total. The series of hikes have raised concerns among consumers and industry analysts alike, as the rising costs can have a domino effect on the overall economy, affecting everything from transportation to food prices.

As fuel prices continue to climb, the government faces mounting pressure to address the situation. Many citizens are feeling the pinch, especially those with limited incomes or those reliant on vehicles for their livelihoods. The ongoing increases have fueled public discourse on the necessity for better fuel management policies and the potential for alternative energy sources to mitigate the impact of rising fossil fuel costs.

With the ongoing fluctuations in global oil prices and domestic taxation policies, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this growing crisis. Consumers are urged to stay informed and consider alternative transportation methods to ease their financial burden as they navigate these challenging times.