Amidst global volatility in crude oil markets and the recent rise in petrol prices across the country, many youngsters are beginning to feel the crunch in their everyday expenses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement has also urged citizens to use fuel wisely and consider alternative options such as electric vehicles, with concerns around crude oil trade continuing to grow.
Dealer explains reason
Backing on the Prime Minister’s message, Narhar Thakur, President of All Goa Petrol Dealers' Association, explained. “The crude oil is not an unlimited resource. Its consumption should be mindful. Additionally, we import a lot of our crude oil and pay in dollars, thus leading to our revenue going out.”
Thakur further clarified how the price hike is implemented. “Local dealers here all over have hardly any role in the price increase. The increase is decided by the ministry and conveyed to petroleum companies.” With the headlines of a price hike making the rounds, he added that most of the retail outlets that are open early are automated. Thus, the revised price gets updated in the system automatically and is considered the price of the day. “That is why today, there is an increase of Rs 3.06 in petrol and Rs 3.03 in diesel,” he stated.
Students forced to adjust
College students, too, are struggling with the rise in petrol and diesel prices. With an erratic public transport system that is never on time, students are compelled to use their own vehicles. “I am a student from Ponda; however, my project work is at Nuvem. Travelling there requires me to change 2-3 buses and then walk some more,” shares Akhilesh Nigalye, a BE student. “An increase in my pocket money would surely help, but I am tracking my expenses in my own way,” he adds. Like many other students, depending on their parents or guardians to manage expenses, Akhilesh has decided to be more mindful of his trips and spending.
As many office systems cannot function remotely, the option of working from home remains out of reach, leaving their pockets to bear the brunt, or rather the burn of rising prices. “This price rise has increased my daily commuting cost,” mentions Simran Monteiro, who has recently started teaching as an Assistant Professor. “While I am considering alternative options such as using public transport, the system is unreliable. Thus, my other alternative is to carpool with my colleagues whenever possible,” she adds.
The workplace, for many, is far and not within walking distance from their house. “My work, as Sagar Mitra, requires me to commute daily from Sirsaim to Panaji, so the hike in price of petrol and diesel is indeed worrying,” mentions Agnelo Silveira. “The recent price hike has definitely affected me. Additionally, I feel that the current compensation is becoming difficult to manage, especially for employees who travel long distances every day for work,” he remarks.
Rising costs, less savings
Between saving and building their dreams, many newly recruited professionals are finding it difficult to do either. With a majority of their earnings going into travelling costs, they are organising their expenses diligently. “While I do have a stable income as a teacher, the rising cost of living, especially fuel prices, makes it difficult to manage everything comfortably,” Monteiro responds. “The increase in prices is not always matched by an increase in salary, so it can be a bit challenging to keep up,” she notes.
This appears to be a growing sentiment shared by many youngsters. “I feel the current compensation is becoming difficult to manage, especially for employees who travel long distances for work,” remarks Silveira. “While I am grateful for the opportunity, some additional support or a revision in compensation would help us cope better with rising living costs,” he adds.
As fuel prices continue to rise, the impact is being felt strongly by the younger generation striving to build their future. From fresh professionals watching a large share of their salaries disappear into commuting costs to college students struggling to manage daily travel expenses, the burden continues to grow with every hike. In a phase of life meant for growth, savings, and independence, even an ordinary journey now comes with a heavier price to pay.
