FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
- Neil Saldanha, Software Engineer, Saligao
Rise in fuel prices is inevitable, it is a limited resource after all; this is bound to happen someday. However, I feel the timing of this is not the best, it could have been done slowly with a fixed agenda, allowing some more years for the infrastructure for electric alternatives to develop and be accessible in our country, not only for transport but in other categories of use as well. A super hike in fuel prices would have been more understandable then. I understand the effect of COVID 19 on our economy, but such a steep hike in prices just puts the average middle class woman/man in a difficult position more than anyone else, squeezing more and more out of them everyday. Today, we have no option but to pay or reduce travel, public transport is not the best in Goa anyways.
- Ankit Talaulikar, Advertising professional, Panjim
I’m the co-founder of the Goa motorcycle club based in Goa, India. The increase in fuel cost does affect our business, as we have to keep our ride routes below a certain kms. mark. Even food places where we take our riders to, are forced to increase their pricing. The moment fuel prices go up, prices of other commodities go up too. It’s definitely difficult for business.
- Peter Fernandes, Founder, Hockey Kheluia, Mapusa
As someone who actively rides a bike, the fact the prices of petrol has skyrocketed has had me sitting at home and cursing at the rates. Almost everyone is on edge, constantly wondering just how far they can take their vehicles for a ride. People who use their cars and bikes to get to work and back have been affected the most. It’s high time that these ridiculous prices should see a drop instead of an increase. It’s certainly not easy to manage, especially when everyone is on a budget.
- Anushka D’Souza, Student, Miramar
The price of fuel is literally skyrocketing by the day! With petrol having already crossed the three-digit mark and diesel nearing the same, I am reminded of the refrain, ‘What has been promised and what has been granted?’ The authorities need to seriously rethink about the hardships that the common men face in managing their daily expenses, particularly keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic. Or is this just another matter of filling up the pockets?
- Chrisneil Dias, Student, Benaulim
Fuel is a basic and important thing which the richest and the poorest people need. Due to the high price of fuel, I think there are many families facing problems because now it’s just the later pandemic where people are still recovering financially and these prices are increasing, actually difficult to deal with these high prices because fuel is something we use on a daily basis for means of transportation. So instead of increasing its price, it actually needs to be accessible at low price especially in this pandemic situation so that there is not much financial crisis created for the middle class families.
- Sabira Shaikh, Student Vasco
It’s an easy decision to know whom not to vote for in the next elections. There’s nothing worse than putting pressure on citizens especially during a Pandemic. The country and state need better governance. The common man is under tremendous pressure to sustain his basic expenses because of their incompetence.
- Conrad Barreto, Football Strategist, Margao
It is very difficult added to the pandemic woes like reduced salary, loss of jobs, closure of establishments etc.. for junior advocates specially who do a lot of juggling between courts in different talukas, and unable to afford private travel or taxi fares, few local busses plying, creates a lot of stress and tension to reach courts on time ...more public transport should be put in place and busses be put on different routes. It’s a government who cares little for the woes of the common person and knows not their pain and sufferings.
- Adv Caroline Collasso, Mapusa
Increase in fuel pricing has certainly made a dent in the common man’s pocket. Many own personal vehicles and so there is an increase in fuel expenses. The pandemic has shown it’s ugly face and has already impacted the financial position of the people. Many have lost jobs, some have closed down their businesses, and others have taken a salary cut. Fuel price increase has slowly shown it’s own ugly face too with inflation creeping in from all sides, especially on food stuff and essentials and even medicines! A jump in global crude oil prices among other factors have led to this mess and this is killing economic recovery after the slow down of the Pandemic in Goa. Goans have no choice but to spend less and/ or dip into their savings. Their monthly budget has gone haywire and it’s a disheartening experience. Having said that...I believe we need to have more patience and trust the processes of life for every cloud has a silver lining. We will prevail. The upcycle is on the horizon.
- Clarice Vaz, Fine artist, Saligao
The prices have definitely been an issue. I drive almost everyday to college and work and to manage these expenses is pretty difficult. At times if I have my friends with me, they make sure to equally chip in for the amount. These prices should definitely be brought down to an affordable level in the interest of the public...
- Aryavrat, student, Vasco
Public transport is the least desirable option for travel as it is often packed and does adhere to passenger number compliance. This makes it unsafe to travel especially during the pandemic. In addition the price of fuel is not just a pinch for people who own vehicles. It has a direct impact on every purchase that doesn’t grow in one’s own home. Food, clothing, electronics are all moved by vehicles that run on fuel. Why taxes are still high and prices are increasing is anyone’s guess. The government should reduce the taxes substantially especially during this pandemic time. It hurts everyone.
- Jervis Pereira, Founder - Digital Kwills, Mapusa
Fuel prices directly impact everything whether it is the price of delivery of or local products or even every day purchases that require us to travel, it specially impacts those who travel a distance to earn a living hence petrol and diesel prices should always be kept in check and subsidised as much as feasible to help the ordinary Goan! The economy is booming and many citizens have just started getting back on track, prices must be subsidised to enable the common man to cope up! Enable the common man to cope up and recover previous losses / etc due to the pandemic.
- Viresh Vazirani, Entrepreneur, Panjim
