Mumbai: As the government declared an increase in the petrol price in the country, the dwellers are reeling under such rising prices of essential commodities. Meanwhile, the rate of petrol with additives has crossed the Rs 100 mark for a litre in Maharashtra's Parbhani district and locals have considered it as a rude jolt.
After a 28 paise rise on Sunday morning, the per-litre rate of petrol with additives for retail sale crossed Rs 100.
The cost of petrol in Parbhani is one of the costliest in Maharashtra. The cost is higher due to longer distance of transportation. Fuel in Parbhani comes from Manmad in the Nashik district, which is at a distance of 340 km.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Giriraj Bharat, a local of Parbhani, said "The district has recorded the highest petrol price in the state. Now the price of power petrol has crossed Rs 100 and is now available at Rs 100.37 per litre. It is a big jolt to the citizens who are already battling against Corona pandemic and financial distress."
"Naturally, people are fuming over the sky-high fuel prices. Parbhani always drags attention on some or other issues. More importantly, the issue of Petrol prices in Parbhani remains always at the centre stage and the price of petrol in Parbhani is not only highest in Maharashtra, but in the country also," he said.
"The ordinary man is under severe financial distress due to fuel prices reached the highest level. In March, when the lockdown was imposed in the country due to coronavirus, petrol was being sold at Rs 76.37. Since then, the petrol prices have been increased by Rs 20. On Monday, petrol was being sold at Parbhani petrol pumps at Rs. 97.59 per litre. At some petrol pumps, the rate was Rs. 93.67. The price of diesel has gone to Rs. 86.95. Due to unprecedented prices, the residents are facing an extreme financial crisis," he added.
"At present, the petrol which is available on petrol pumps is mixed with Ethanol. The price is highest in Parbhani. But, another version of pure petrol is available which is being sold at Rs. 100.37. The petrol is not only mixed with ethanol but water also and there is a possibility of a breakdown of vehicles due to this adulterated petrol," another local alleged.
"The reason behind highest prices' in Parbhani district, there are approximately 125 petrol pumps, that include pumps owned by private companies like Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum in addition to Reliance and Essar. Petrol is supplied to all these pumps from Solapur and Manmad. Petrol is supplied to Hindustan Petroleum from Solapur while Indian Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum get supply Manmad. These cities are situated at the distance of 300 and 350 KM. from Parbhani. This triggers a huge transport cost. It affects the petrol prices and it is passed on to the customers, which is a reason for citizen’s extreme anger," he further alleged.
Meanwhile, the hike in petrol price came as a rude jolt to city dwellers and they demanded that the government reduce taxes on fuel to bring relief to the people.
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