Petrol and diesel prices have gone up again across India, adding more pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs. Meghalaya has also been affected, with petrol in Shillong now nearing ₹99 per litre after the latest hike announced on May 19.
This is the second fuel increase within days. Earlier this month, oil companies had already raised prices by around ₹3 per litre. Another hike of nearly 90 paise has now pushed fuel prices even higher.
The increase comes as global crude oil prices continue to rise due to tensions in the Middle East, especially around Iran. Since India imports most of its crude oil, international price shocks quickly affect local fuel rates.
But for ordinary people, the global explanation offers little comfort. Across Meghalaya, taxi drivers, delivery workers, small traders, and daily commuters are beginning to feel the pressure.
Higher fuel prices often lead to increased transport costs, which later affect food prices, vegetables, construction materials, and other daily essentials. Many families are already adjusting their spending. Some are cutting unnecessary travel. Others are reducing expenses on eating out, shopping, or entertainment.
Commercial drivers say they are earning less as fuel costs rise faster than daily income. Nationwide, opposition parties and citizens have criticised the repeated hikes, arguing that the burden always falls on ordinary people while salaries and incomes remain largely unchanged. There are also growing calls for the Centre and state governments to reduce taxes on fuel to provide relief during difficult economic periods.
Experts say fuel prices affect almost every part of the economy. When transport becomes expensive, the cost is eventually passed on to consumers.In states like Meghalaya, where transportation is already difficult because of terrain and logistics, the impact can be even sharper.
For now, there is little sign that prices will immediately come down unless global crude oil markets stabilise. And for many people, the concern is simple: every fuel hike slowly makes daily life more expensive.
