Udupi: The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices across the country has begun affecting daily life in Udupi district, with commuters, transport operators, fishermen, traders and middle-class families expressing concern over rising living expenses.
Fuel prices have witnessed repeated hikes over the past two weeks amid rising international crude oil prices and fluctuations in the value of the rupee. Reports indicate that petrol prices in India have increased by nearly Rs 7.5 per litre since mid-May. In Karnataka, petrol prices have crossed Rs 110 per litre in several regions during the latest revision cycle.
The rising fuel cost has triggered widespread concern among residents in Udupi, particularly among daily commuters who rely on two-wheelers and private vehicles for travel to workplaces, educational institutions and business establishments.
Many residents said their monthly transportation expenses have increased sharply within a short period, placing additional pressure on already stretched household budgets.
Daily commuters feel the pressure
The impact of the fuel price hike is being felt strongly by office-goers, students and families who travel long distances every day. Several residents said they are now being forced to reduce non-essential travel and carefully plan their daily commuting expenses.
Ashwini, a local resident, said the increase in fuel prices has made even regular travel difficult for ordinary families.
“Our vehicles cannot run on water; we need fuel. Due to the war situation, petrol prices have increased. Even travelling by public transport has become difficult now. Our children travel daily to school, and managing expenses is becoming very hard,” she said.
Another resident, Bharathi, said the burden is especially affecting parents with school-going children.
“It is becoming difficult for children to travel to school every day. Many parents now drop their children personally. The rise in petrol prices is worsening the situation. If fuel prices are reduced, it would help common people,” she said.
College student Aathiya expressed concern that the fuel hike could eventually lead to an increase in bus fares as schools and colleges reopen.
“This is the time when schools and colleges are reopening. The increase in petrol prices affects students badly. If fuel prices go up, bus fares will also increase. We already pay huge college fees, and an increase in bus fares will become an additional burden for us,” she said.
Transport and fishing sectors worried
The transport and fishing sectors, which form a major part of the coastal economy in Udupi district, are also expected to face mounting operational costs due to the diesel price increase.
Transport operators fear that continued fuel price hikes may eventually lead to an increase in transportation charges, which could affect the prices of essential commodities, vegetables and fish in local markets.
Truck operators and goods transporters said fuel expenses account for a major share of their operational costs. Any further rise in diesel prices may force transport companies to revise freight charges.
Similarly, fishermen in the coastal region are worried that increased fuel costs could directly impact fishing operations, especially for mechanized boats that depend heavily on diesel for deep-sea fishing activities.
Several traders said the fuel hike could have a cascading effect on the local economy, increasing the cost of goods and services across sectors.
Public seeks government intervention
Consumers and local residents have urged both the State and Central governments to take steps to stabilise fuel prices and provide relief to the public.
Many citizens believe the continued increase in petrol and diesel prices is affecting the middle class, daily wage earners and students the most. Residents said rising transportation expenses are indirectly increasing the overall cost of living.
Economic experts note that fluctuations in global crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions often influence domestic fuel rates. However, people have demanded policy measures to cushion the impact on ordinary consumers.
With educational institutions reopening and monsoon-related travel expected to increase in the coming weeks, residents fear that sustained fuel price hikes could further strain household finances and affect daily mobility across the district.