Skyrocketing prices of essential commodities hit common man hard

The recent hike of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders by Rs 50 has come as a huge shocker for the people, who are already in financial distress induced by Covid-19.

This was one more nail in the coffin of the common man who is helplessly watching the spiralling price of essential commodities, including cooking oil, dals and lentils by around 20% to 30%. This has aggravated the problems of the people in economically weaker sections.

The recession caused by Covid, has already left the people to suffer reduction in wages. This has affected the sales of non-essential commodities, and the traders are yet to recover from the lockdown pressure. Besides, the lifestyle of the people belonging to different sections of the society has changed.

Vanaja, a homemaker said that the kitchen budget has increased by at least 40%. "Earlier, we could manage the kitchen with around Rs 7,000, for a four-member family. Now, the same has jumped to Rs 10,000. It is difficult to follow the same budget over the whole month as the price of petrol, vegetables and fruits increase twice or thrice a month. As we are struggling to maintain our budget with limited income, savings and weekly outings have taken a backseat."

Nayan Kumar, who works for a multi-national company, said that several companies have slashed the salaries up to 25% due to Covid and lockdown. "But, every day expenses are rising considerably. It is difficult for the common man to stage a protest. Opposition at the Centre has neither raised its voice nor held a protest to make the government realise the issue. People are burdened by the hike in price of vegetable, refined oils, cereals and pulses. Fuel prices are skyrocketing. Petrol price on February 17 was Rs 92.14 per litre and diesel Rs 84.89 per litre in Mysuru," he said.

Suresha, a vegetable vendor, said, "Rise in price of fuel is a main factor for increasing price of commodities. Our profit margin is affected due to increase in price of vegetables."

The worst affected is the middle-class, especially salaried working class, which has to maintain a reasonable standard of living in a fixed income, said Ravi, who works for a private company. "I have two college-going children. Now, the rise in prices has made it difficult to bear all expenses," he said.