PATNA: At a time when middle class people are going through hard times financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, soaring prices of essential commodities have added to their woes and made it difficult for them to adjust household budgets.
Recently, the COMFED increased the prices of available varieties of its ‘Sudha’ milk by about Rs2/litre. Potato and onion prices have also risen sharply.
“Be it vegetables, fruits or milk, the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities have derailed my monthly budget, which has increased by over 30% when compared to the previous months,” said Shushma Singh of Kankarbagh.
“Adjusting to these sudden price hikes is becoming more and more difficult. Even a slight increase in vegetable prices and LPG cylinders affects the monthly budget a lot. Keeping up with price hikes in essential commodities is the biggest challenge in the present system,” said Meena Singh, a homemaker.
The petrol, diesel and LPG prices in Patna have been turning more volatile. While petrol is being sold at Rs93.25/litre, diesel price has climbed up to Rs86.57/litre. In addition, the price of a non-subsidized LPG cylinder in Patna is Rs867.50.
The daily life of people already burdened by the pandemic has become more difficult. Anshu Kumar of Buddha Colony said, “The diesel and petrol prices are always on the rise. I own a car but hardly use it because I cannot afford to get a refill so frequently.”
Bibha Sinha of Kankarbagh said it’s becoming unbearable now as the prices of every other item are increasing. “More considerate financial decisions from the government are the need of the hour,” she said.
Earlier this month, the ministry of civil aviation had announced increase in domestic airfare ranging from 10% (minimum) to 30% (maximum) depending on the distance covered. “Air travel is safer and quicker in comparison to other modes of transport for now. But the government is constantly exploiting people by increasing airfare. As a frequent flyer, it’s frustrating to pay different fare every time you book a similar flight,” said Deshant Arya, an IT professional.