Fuel price hike in Bengaluru triggers public outrage, worries commuters, cab and gig workers

Residents, commuters, cab drivers and gig workers in Bengaluru expressed anger and concern on Friday after fuel prices saw a sharp increase across categories, raising fears of a further rise in transportation and daily living costs.

The fuel prices in Bengaluru were revised on Friday, with petrol now priced at ₹106.17 per litre after an increase of ₹3.21 per litre. Diesel prices also saw a hike of ₹3.11 per litre, taking the revised price to ₹94.10 per litre.

Meanwhile, fuel sold by private retailers continues to be more expensive. During the previous month, amid tensions in West Asia, private companies had already raised prices in the city. In a private outlet in Bengaluru, regular unleaded petrol (ULP) is priced at ₹119.92 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) costs ₹123.51 per litre. Premium variants are even costlier, with petrol retailing at ₹129.92 per litre and diesel at ₹133.51 per litre.

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The sudden hike has triggered widespread frustration among citizens who say the increase will worsen the financial burden on middle-class families already struggling with rising prices of essentials.

Prakash K., a resident of J.P. Nagar 4th Phase, said that the increase was unfair at a time when households were already battling inflation and rising grocery prices. “Prices of vegetables, groceries and other essential commodities have already skyrocketed over the past few months. Now, with fuel prices going up again, transportation costs will also increase and that will eventually affect the prices of almost every product in the market,” he said.

Ramya Shekar, a resident of Seshadripuram, said that the fuel price hike would directly impact commuters like her who rely on cabs and autorickshaws for daily travel. “Cab and auto fares in Bengaluru are already expensive compared to earlier years, and now this increase in fuel prices will become another reason for transport operators to raise fares. Common people who travel daily for work or other needs will be forced to spend more every month. Many people feel these hikes are delayed until elections are over in different States, which create an impression that the public is being misled,” she said.

The auto and cab drivers who depend on CNG-run vehicles also voiced concern over the increase in gas prices and the continuing shortage of the CNG supply in parts of the city.

Manjunath H.S., a cab driver from Kengeri, said that the hike had added to the difficulties already faced by drivers. “There is already a shortage of CNG and LPG in several places and drivers are forced to wait in long queues to refill. Now, with prices also going up, it has become an additional burden on us. We cannot keep increasing fares because customers will stop booking rides, but at the same time our expenses are continuously rising. Both drivers and passengers are going to suffer because of this decision,” he said.

Gig workers also expressed concern over declining monthly savings amid increasing operational expenses. Vikram Kumar, a food delivery executive from Koramanagala, said that the fuel costs form a major portion of their daily spending and the latest increase would directly affect their earnings.

“It is increasingly becoming difficult to sustain ourselves with the current incentives paid by delivery platforms. We may now have to complete more deliveries every day just to maintain the same monthly income. The companies should consider increasing payments or incentives for delivery workers because otherwise many of us will struggle to manage our expenses,” he said.