Bhubaneswar: Consumers in Odisha were upset after Nayara Energy, India’s largest private fuel retailer, raised fuel prices across its outlets in the state since the recent flare up in West Asia.The company increased the price of petrol by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3/litre, triggering frustration among daily commuters, transporters and small traders, who say the timing of the hike could not have come at the worst time.“Prices of essential commodities are already high, and fuel is the backbone of everything else. Passing on this burden to consumers at a time of crisis is not a fair decision,” rued Ashok Sahu, an office executive.Auto-rickshaw drivers and commercial vehicle operators said the hike would directly affect their livelihoods. “We operate on fixed fares, but fuel prices keep changing. A sudden hike like this means our margins get wiped out,” said Santosh Barik, an auto driver near Barang, adding that revising fares often leads to arguments with passengers.Nayara Energy operates nearly nine petrol pumps in Bhubaneswar-Cuttack region and has its East Zone headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Customers at several pumps were seen enquiring with attendants about the sudden increase, some even driving off to get tanks filled at public sector outlets.“This is the first time since the West Asia conflict that a private retailer has raised prices. Why should only consumers suffer?” asked Meena Rout, a home-maker from Nayapalli, who said her family’s monthly fuel expenses would rise significantly.A Nayara Energy spokesperson said it was a management call. “International crude prices and logistics costs have risen sharply due to geopolitical developments. As a private fuel retailer, we price our products based on market dynamics and costs,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company continues to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and high-quality service.Industry watchers observed that while public sector oil marketing companies have so far held retail prices steady, private players have greater flexibility to adjust rates.However, consumer rights activists argue that such price hikes should be guided by broader public interest. “Fuel impacts inflation across sectors. Even private retailers must exercise restraint during times of global uncertainty,” said Pradip Mohanty, a city-based consumer activist.
