A hue and cry is raised every time the prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG are increased. The government cites the losses incurred by the oil-marketing companies as the main reason for the hike. Whatever the justification, the hike will have its effect on the prices of essential commodities at a time when people are already suffering because of the double-digit inflation.
At the same time, it should be remembered that petroleum products are heavily subsidised by the government. True, kerosene is used by people below the poverty line and subsidising it brings some relief to the poor. But the government cannot be expected to subsidise petrol, diesel and LPG for indefinitely long periods.
A. Michael Dhanraj,
Coimbatore
The rich can afford petroleum products at decontrolled prices. They are the ones who consume more of petrol. The government should evolve a fair mechanism to provide petroleum products at much cheaper prices only to the poor, the downtrodden and organisations such as the Railways, the State transport corporations and government buses and trains which serve as mass transport.
C. Badarinath,
Hyderabad
Higher fuel prices are a good thing for the country. We are bound to run out of fuel in 20-30 years anyway. The skyrocketing prices will make us explore alternative sources. They will offer an incentive to automobile manufacturers to develop fuel-efficient vehicles as customers would gladly trade luxury for efficiency. Also, people will opt for public transport and car pooling. And, it is time bicycles were used more than they are now. But these are long-term prospects. To help people reeling under the effects of inflation, the government must act fast to use its additional revenue to provide essential commodities at low prices.
Nithin Haridas,
Palakkad