Fuel prices in major cities witnessed a significant hike on Monday for the fourth time this month. Prices of petrol have risen to Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel prices increased up to Rs 2.71 per litre. The hike in prices comes amid a global energy crisis, as the US-Iran talks for a negotiation fail to reach a conclusion and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The daily commuters are worried about the price hike and frustrated that the government is not taking any appropriate steps to counter the increase.

How Did Delhites React To Price Hikes

The petrol price has risen to Rs 2.61 from Rs 99.51 to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel prices have gone up by Rs 2.71 from Rs 92.49 to Rs 95.20 per litre. Delhiites raised concerns over the increase in fuel prices, with no effective increase in income. Some held the government responsible for the hike and for dismissing the public concerns.

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Speaking to ANI, a buyer said, "We are very upset... They are not even giving diesel in many places... This should be discussed. Taxi drivers will face more problems... The rate of diesel should be decreased."

A second commuter said, "It is fine. The government should do whatever is required to save the country. It is because of Israel's war..."

People reacted in a similar way to the earlier price hikes. A buyer said, speaking with ANI, "It's affecting the middle class." Petrol prices are increasing. It's a loss. But what can we do? People who have work will have to use a car. People are carpooling as asked, but petrol is expensive. There is no alternative. Electric cars are so expensive. People are not able to buy them."

A fourth said, "Petrol prices are increasing. We have to travel a lot. We have to pay Rs 200 for petrol daily, so we have to pay Rs. 6000 monthly for petrol. What will we manage in Rs 15,000 or Rs 16,000? How will we run our family? There are many problems. We are unable to bear it. Despite working for the central or state government, our salaries are so low. There is no increase in salary," another resident said.

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Another buyer said, 'See, it affects everything.' A hike of Rs 1 might seem small to some, but when you look at it on a monthly basis for daily commuters, it adds up significantly. Earlier, people used to shift from petrol or diesel to CNG because it was considered a pocket-friendly and budget-friendly option. But looking at the way CNG prices are continuously rising now, it seems like there won't be much of a difference left between petrol and CNG prices in the near future," he said. 

How Did Netizens React To Price Hikes?

Social media users also criticised the government for the fuel price hike. A user said, 'Prices are to soon go even higher.' The government made a case for EVs, but with no infrastructure at scale. According to experts, we will see a 7.5 Rs more hike, totalling a 15 Rs hike. I hope the uncertainty over the Iran war comes to an end."

A second user said, "Democracy works only when accountability mechanisms do."

Another user commented, "Modi is exposed again for his inefficiencies, hypocrisy and shamelessness. When he came to power in 2014, crude was 108 and the rupee was near 50, and now crude is near 100 and also the rupee. All the states have BJP governments, but they are still not reducing taxes. Real robbers."