Oil prices decline; Passenger fares not!
Commuters see the; Authorities silent
Despite repeated reductions in oil prices, the passenger fares continue to be unchanged with resentment among commuters brewing against “inaction” of the administration.
In recent rate cut on February 3 the petrol and diesel prices were reduced by Rs 2.42 and Rs 2.25 per litre respectively. This was the 10th straight rate cut in petrol price since August and sixth in diesel since October.
However, the passenger fares have been left untouched with authorities failing to revise the fares to give respite to the commuters in the state.
Interestingly, as per the date compiled during last six months prices of the petrol fell from Rs 79.41 to Rs 62.44 a litre and diesel from Rs 62.31 to Rs 49.48 a litre.
Since August 1, petrol prices were reduced by Rs 16.97 a litre and diesel used as fuel by passenger vehicles witnessed a steep fall in value by 12.83 a litre.
The fuel rate cuts have become a regular feature following the massive decline in crude oil prices on the international market.
The fuel prices started declining from August last year. In Kashmir the petrol price on August 1 was slashed by Rs 1.09 per litre, on August 15 by Rs 2.09, on September 1 by Rs 1.84. In October there was further reduction of Rs 1.86, in November prices were cut by Rs 2.30.
On December 1 the petrol prices were cut by Rs 0.91 and on December 15 by Rs 2 a litre. From December 15 to February 3, the prices further were reduced by Rs 4.88 a litre.
Similarly, in Diesel segment, price reduction has been of Rs 12.83 per litre. On September 1, Diesel price were cut by Rs 3.36 a litre, on October 10 by Rs 2.09, on November 1 by Rs 0.98 and on December 15 by Rs 1.99 a litre. Further, diesel prices fell by Rs 4.99 a litre to February 3.
Talking to us, Transport Commissioner, Dilshad Khan acknowledged that there was a need to reduce the passenger fares. “I am chairing a meeting tomorrow in Jammu to discuss this issue,” she said. Khan added following the meeting with officials from both regions final decision will be taken about the issue.
Meanwhile, the voices have gone shriller in support of cut in passenger fares. “Why state government is not reducing the fares when during last six months, diesel prices have come down by Rs 12.83 a litre?” Sadiq Iqbal, a Drugmulla resident questioned.
Spokesperson of petroleum Dealers association, Bilal Ahmad also pitched for cut in passenger fares.
