While petrol prices remain unchanged, there is some surprising relief in the form of price cuts for other petroleum products. But is this enough for the common man — or just a temporary fix?
According to the official notification, High-Speed Diesel (HSD) has seen a slight decrease of Rs2 per litre, bringing the price down from Rs256.64 to Rs254.64 per litre. The ministry stated that this reduction is due to falling international oil prices, which have allowed for slight adjustments at the local level.
Interestingly, petrol prices have not been changed at all, staying steady at Rs252.65 per litre. This decision seems to reflect the government’s struggle to balance public relief with economic stability — a tightrope walk between controlling inflation and managing the budget.
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But the biggest relief has come in the form of kerosene oil, which is widely used in rural and remote areas. Its price has been cut by Rs5.04 per litre, lowering it from Rs169.69 to Rs164.65 per litre. For many low-income households, this price cut is being seen as a welcome move — especially ahead of seasonal fuel demand.
Light Diesel Oil (LDO), which is often used in small engines, generators, and local transport, has also been reduced by Rs4.68 per litre. The new price now stands at Rs150.65 per litre, down from Rs155.33. Industry watchers believe this could slightly ease operational costs in certain commercial and agricultural sectors.
Experts, however, are cautious. While these price cuts offer short-term relief, they argue that real relief from inflation requires bigger economic reforms and long-term policies. Public reaction to the changes has been mixed — some are thankful for the relief, while others call it a drop in the ocean.
This move appears to be part of the government’s broader strategy to signal price control efforts without making large-scale fiscal compromises. The bigger question now is: Will the next pricing cycle bring more relief — or a fresh wave of inflation?
