One of the worst repercussions of the ongoing war in the Middle East for common citizen inIndian is a sudden increase in prices of basic needs products and other amenities. Ever since the war started on February 28, a wave of consecutive price hikes has swept across various sectors, from essential cooking gas to transportation fuels and air travel.
The development is causing a serious budgetary concern for middle-class and lower-middle-class families.
What Has Became Costlier Due To Middle East Crisis
Airlines Increase Ticket Prices
All Indian Airline companies sector was one of the first sectors to face the heat, with all airlines operating in India having announced fuel surcharges. Air India was the first one to introduce a Rs 399 fuel surcharge on March 12th per ticket on domestic flights. For international routes, the airline introduced a significant rise of up to US$200 (approximately Rs 18,324).
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The suit was followed by IndiGo. The airline introduced a surcharge of Rs 425 per sector for domestic flights within India and the Indian Subcontinent. For longer-route-- international travel-- the surcharge is Rs 900 for the Middle East, Rs 1,800 for Southeast Asia and China, and Rs 2,300 for Europe.
Joining in the series, Akasa Airlines, also introduced a fuel surcharge ranging from Rs 199 to Rs 1,300 on both its domestic and international flight tickets from March 15.
LPG and Food Prices Soar
The biggest direct blow to the common household came with the hike in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices. Domestic LPG cylinders saw a sharp increase of Rs 60. Compounding the burden, the booking period for a new cylinder has also been extended.
Additionally, the price increase was also applied to commercial cylinders. This hike has directly impacted the hospitality sector, forcing many hotels to either increase their food prices or, in some cases, shut down operations.
Rise in Petrol and Diesel Prices
The fuel prices for specific categories of petrol and diesel have also been increased. Oil companies have increased the price of premium petrol, such as Speed and Power, by Rs 2.09 per litre. Additionally, the industrial diesel price has also seen an uptick. The same was increased by Rs 22.03 per litre, rising to Rs 109.59 from 87.57 per liter.
However, this increase in fuel prices affects large transport vehicles and machinery rather than ordinary private vehicles.