Doon households, delivery riders and public transport operators struggle as fuel price hike
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The recent rise in fuel prices due to the West Asia conflict have already affected business and routine life in Dehradun for some after the price rise. While some are complaining about it, positive aspects like focus on cutting down unnecessary expenses and using public transport are also emerging in this situation. Drivers and delivery workers are saying that the higher petrol and diesel costs will affect their monthly budgets. Localite Gopal Singh claimed that fuel costs have started affecting household planning. “Earlier we managed within a fixed monthly budget, but now with the petrol becoming costlier we are cutting down on outings and unnecessary travel,” he said.
He added that public transport is becoming a more practical option for short-distance travel as fuel prices continue to rise.
Auto drivers also said that the increase is affecting their daily earnings. Pratham Rawat said that operational costs have gone up, but many passengers are unwilling to pay higher fares. “After spending more on fuel, very little is left at the end of the day,” he said. According to him, some drivers are now avoiding unnecessary trips and trying to save fuel during hours when passenger demand is low.
Delivery workers say that the situation has become difficult as daily petrol expenses have increased while payouts from companies have mostly remained unchanged.
An online delivery service rider Rakesh Chauhan said that many riders are now working longer hours just to maintain the same level of income. “Most of the money goes into fuel expenses nowm while our savings are decreasing,” he said.
