As crude oil prices have dropped significantly in the international market, many across India were hopeful for a reduction in petrol and diesel prices. However, contrary to expectations, West Bengal has seen an unexpected hike in fuel prices from Monday morning.
As of now, petrol in Kolkata is priced at ₹105.41 per litre, and diesel at ₹92.02 per litre, marking an increase of 40 paise per litre for petrol and 20 paise for diesel. This sudden rise has sparked public outrage and confusion, especially since no similar price hike has been reported from other states.
🔍 What’s the Reason Behind the Price Hike?
According to oil company officials, the basic price of fuel has changed, which has directly impacted the retail rate. No state or central tax revisions have been made.
Prosenjit Sen, Executive President of the West Bengal Petroleum Dealers Association, said,
“We had no prior information about this price revision. The order came in suddenly at midnight on Sunday. From Monday morning, we are selling at revised prices.”
John Mukhopadhyay, President of the Indian Oil Dealers Forum (West Bengal), added that the hike may be related to changes in transportation costs — which are included within the base price itself.
Meanwhile, dealers at Hindustan Petroleum in Sodepur also pointed to logistics and transport as potential causes, but none of the sources could provide a clear or confirmed explanation.
📍 What About Other States?
Interestingly, no other Indian state has reported a price hike. In fact, diesel prices in Patna, Bihar, have been reduced by 60 paise per litre. This discrepancy has led many to question whether West Bengal is being unfairly burdened despite the national and international context favoring a price cut.
The public is demanding transparency: Why are Bengal residents being forced to pay more while others are benefiting from price drops?
📌 Not the First Time
On December 1, 2024, petrol and diesel prices in West Bengal were similarly increased by 6 paise per litre. At the time, Indian Oil officials claimed the move was made to standardize prices across various fuel pumps.
This time, however, no such explanation has been provided, and the sudden hike has only added to the confusion.
🔎 Summary
Fuel prices have a direct impact on household budgets, transport costs, and overall inflation. While falling global crude prices should ideally benefit consumers, the people of West Bengal find themselves paying more without any clear justification.
Until an official clarification comes, the price hike remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving consumers frustrated and questioning the logic behind such regional disparity.