Parbhani: The fuel prices in Parbhani district in Marathwada have escalated. The district has recorded the highest fuel price in the state, Rs 97.59, while the price of power petrol has crossed Rs 100 to Rs 100.37 per litre.
At times, the highest fuel price in the country was reported in the district. Often the question is raised whether people in rural area can afford the price.
Also read: Petrol, diesel prices rise close to Rs 3/litre in 9 days
Price hike in international market cited as reason
The reason cited for the price hike is the skyrocketing price of oil in the international market. In March, when Covid induced lockdown was imposed, petrol was being sold at Rs 76.37. After that the petrol price shot 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 increased to Rs 86.95. Due to the unprecedented price hike, the residents are led to extreme financial distress.
Also read: Nation paying 'Modi Tax': Congress slams govt over fuel price hike
Power petrol sold at Rs 100
At present, petrol which is available on petrol pumps is mixed with ethanol and sold at the highest rate. Another variant of petrol is sold at Rs 100.37. Customers have alleged that petrol is not only mixed with ethanol but also water which could lead to breakdown of the vehicle. One of the customers said that petrol tanks are often dried.
High cost of transportation
In Parbhani district, there are approximately 125 petrol pumps which 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 from Manmad. These cities are situated at a distance of 300 km and 350 km from Parbhani and it ends up in high cost of transportation. It further lead to increased petrol price, straining customers.
