Sorrowful times are fast approaching. Prices of all basic
commodities have gone up. Income streams were already hit by the pandemic so
intake has reduced but expenditure has shot up drastically, needing to go back
to nature to survive. The main reason for the current fuel prices is the taxes
levied on fuel which the governments are using as a means to generate funds
during this crisis in my opinion. Slashing these taxes can definitely ease the
situation. Other than that, the only common man approach of dealing with this
crisis is to do away with the IC vehicles and go electric.
- 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