KOLKATA: The price of petrol in Kolkata and other parts of Bengal breached the Rs 90 mark on Sunday. The hike in petrol price would lead to a significant rise in cost of living of middle-class families.
The record rise in petrol price left a large number of Kolkatans very unhappy. "I had a 30% salary cut during the lockdown. In the last two months, my fuel cost has doubled even though I have been travelling the same distance everyday," said Barun Dewanji, a sales executive.
Gautam Ghosh, a petroleum dealer in South Kolkata, said: "The anger of the motorists was palpable. We have advised our workers to remain calm."
The transport experts and environment crusaders have found a silver lining in it. Many said the rising price would help decongest the city with more people opting for public transport.
The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), a state transport undertaking, wants to facilitate this switchover process. "We will be running our full fleet of AC buses, both diesel-run and electric, so that car-owners don't have to compromise on comfort in travelling to their workplaces by public transport," said a WBTC official.
Apart from burning a hole in the pocket, the bus trip will save them from the hassle of finding a parking slot, the official added.
"As an environment activist, I will welcome the rise of fossil fuel prices. Only costlier fossil fuel can push us to opt for alternative clean fuel and use vehicles judiciously," said Somendra Mohan Ghosh.
After a rise in price by 32paisa, the diesel price stands at Rs 82.65.