Prayagraj: The Centre’s decision to raise petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each and CNG by Rs 2 per kg has drawn mixed reactions from consumers in Sangam city, with many warning that the hike will fuel inflation and push up the cost of essential goods.As per the revised rates, petrol in Prayagraj is now priced at Rs 97.62 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 90.92 per litre.The hike comes as global crude oil prices have crossed USD 100 per barrel, driven by supply disruptions amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. This is the first increase in over four years.Opposition parties criticised the move.UP Congress Committee general secretary, Mukund Tiwari, alleged that the decision was deliberately delayed until assembly elections in five states concluded.“Govt has left people in a catch-22 situation. Fuel price hikes will trigger a rise in the cost of essential commodities and transport,” he said.Samajwadi Party spokesperson, Daan Bahadur Madhur, said BJP govt had “once again burdened common citizens.”“People are facing daily shocks of inflation while govt highlights development through advertisements. The poor are struggling with rising kitchen expenses, farmers’ input costs are increasing, and youth earnings are shrinking,” he added, claiming voters would respond in the 2027 assembly and 2029 parliamentary polls.Defending the hike, BJP spokesperson Vivek Mishra said Modi govt had shielded citizens from global oil shocks for over two months and introduced only a “limited and calibrated” increase, even as prices surged sharply in many countries.Residents also expressed mixed views.While some feared a rise in the cost of essentials, others said the hike reflected global supply disruptions impacting fuel markets worldwide.Civil Lines resident, Sandeep Bhargava, said the increase was among the lowest compared with major economies.Anjali, a fashion designer, said, “The cost of essential goods and local travel is likely to rise. We will have to adjust our monthly budget.”
