Bhubaneswar, May 19 (BNP): Fuel prices in Bhubaneswar have witnessed another increase, marking the second hike within the last five days and adding to the growing concerns of commuters, transport operators and households already grappling with rising living costs.

According to the latest revision, the price of petrol in the city has increased by ₹0.93 per litre, taking the retail price to ₹105.44 per litre, while diesel prices have gone up by ₹0.96 per litre, reaching ₹96.95 per litre. The fresh hike is being attributed to rising global crude oil prices and fluctuations in domestic fuel pricing trends.

The consecutive increase in fuel rates is expected to have a wider economic impact, particularly on transportation, logistics and essential commodity prices. Higher fuel costs often lead to increased freight charges, which may eventually influence the prices of goods and services, placing additional pressure on household budgets.

The trend is not limited to Odisha. In the national capital, Delhi, petrol prices reportedly increased by ₹0.87 per litre to ₹98.64, while diesel rose by ₹0.91 per litre to ₹91.58, indicating a broader pattern of fuel price adjustments across the country.

Industry observers note that retail fuel prices in India continue to be influenced by multiple factors, including volatility in international crude oil markets, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and taxation policies at both central and state levels.

Residents and commuters in Bhubaneswar have expressed concern over the repeated hikes, stating that rising fuel prices are likely to increase daily commuting expenses and transportation charges, with small businesses, delivery operators and daily wage earners expected to feel the impact more significantly.

With fuel prices remaining volatile, consumers have been advised to track daily revisions and plan expenses carefully, as further fluctuations in fuel costs may affect transportation and household spending patterns in the days ahead.