Kolkata: The price of one liter of gasoline violates a 100-rupee sign at all fuel stations in Kolkata on Wednesday, almost 48 hours since it has touched three digits in two fuel pumps, for the first time.
And with diesel too, selling on a 90-rupee sign, it is feared it will not be too long before this too, “Seabad Score”.
The current selling price, Rs 100.23, followed a 39-Paisa increase in two days, the 36th time in two months.
It was also a 37% increase since June 2020, when it was given a price of Rs 73.28, which was the highest increase in fuel prices for a period of 13 months.
Diesel, backbone of commercial vehicles, is currently sold for Rs 92.50.
This, a 41% increase since June 2020 (when appreciated Rs 65.61), is a larger leap.
If the trend continues, this too, will pass a 100-rupee sign in the future that is not too far away, believes the owner of the fuel station.
As a sign of protest, the gas station crosses the country affiliated with the association refraining from selling fuel between 7pm and 19:30 on Wednesday.
“This is a dark day in the history of petroleum business in our city,” said Snehasis Bhowmik, Vice President, Association of West Bengal Petroleum Dealer.
“Fuel costs have increased around RS 30 since last year and in accordance with the information we have, it will continue to increase in the coming days.
While gasoline operators like we only get the Minuscule Commission Rs 2.80 per liter, most of the money in to tax.
We ask the central and state government to take immediate steps in controlling this price increase, which affects every citizen.
“According to oil marketing company officials, the price of fuel in this country has increased almost every day since last month because of the increase International crude oil prices, which rose sharply in 2021 behind the global demand as the world of economy slowly recovered from Covid-19 pandemic.
Brent crude prices rose 47.1% to around $ 76.20 a barrel from around $ 51.80 per barrel at the beginning of the year.
The source in PSU oil says it may take time before domestic gasoline and diesel prices are reduced – or until the government receives a call to reduce fuel tax.
High tax and states on gasoline and diesel are the main reasons behind the price of spiral fuel in Bengal.
Until Tuesday, the Central Tax was Rs 32.90 (around 63% of the total tax on gasoline in the state), while state tax was Rs 19.27.
Likewise, on Diesel, Central Tax is Rs 31.80 and Rs 13.08 State Tax.
The basic price of gasoline in the city is only Rs 44.20 while Diesel is Rs 45.16 on July 6.
Apart from taxes and basic prices, the remaining components of prices include shipping costs and dealer commissions around Rs 2.80.
The state government has reduced taxes on gasoline and diesel with re 1 on February 22 for four months, which has been updated for three months through notification.
The total demand for gasoline in this country is around 1.2 lace kilo liter (KL) per month, while the diesel is around 3 lakh kl.
The driver is left to feel the pinch.
“I don’t believe that we can’t even get one liter of gasoline for Rs 100 now,” said Tala Park Resident Abhishek Banerjee.
“I have bought a car two years ago hoping for a comfortable trip to and from the office.
But now I am ready to keep my car in the garage and return to public transportation.” The price of spiraling diesel has also made several buses and taxis from the road, even After the restrictions were induced by Covid relaxed last week.
“With Inch Diesel quickly towards Rs 100, there is no point in operating the bus unless the government increases the bus rates,” said the watershed, which has two personal buses on the route HOWRA-PAILAN.