Fuel price hike

This refers to the editorial “Mistimed and insensitive” (June 28). The government's decision to hike the prices of petroleum products at a time when people are reeling under the effects of inflation is devoid of humane sentiments. It has shown utter disrespect for the people's mandate. Whatever the demands of the petroleum companies, the government has a greater responsibility in protecting the common man from the pressures of price rise.

Tisha Suresh,

Thrissur

Before hiking the fuel prices, the government should have asked the oil companies to cut down their wasteful expenditure, maximise their energy efficiency and employees' productivity, reduce pilferage and eliminate the back-seat driving of the oil companies by Delhi-based bureaucrats. Hiking the prices of fuel should be the last option to minimise the accumulated losses of the oil companies.

R.P. Rammohan,

Hyderabad

All essential commodities are already out of the common man's reach. The rise in the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene will surely add to his burden. The government should explore other sources of revenue.

Damodar Joshi,

Secunderabad

That India is forced to import most of its petroleum requirements is well known. The forces that determine the price and factors that affect the international oil trade cannot be tailored to suit the needs of any one country. The only option open to national governments is to subsidise oil. A welfare state has to intervene to safeguard the interests of those who cannot bear the brunt of cut-throat business practices.

But petrol does not play a pivotal role in the lives of millions in rural areas. I am sure many of us will cut down the usage of private vehicles and use more of public transport, as we do every time the petrol price is increased.

Sreeraj Menon,

Thrissur

The timing may not be right but the decision to increase the prices of fuel is correct. With the resource being scarce and the subsidies skyrocketing, it is time people started using fuel judiciously. Necessity will pave the way for new, efficient technologies and healthy practices.

Vipin Tada,

Jodhpur