Patna: Rising petrol and diesel prices coupled with the weakening of the Indian rupee against the US dollar have triggered a sharp increase in inflation across Bihar, significantly impacting household budgets and the cost of daily essentials.
With the rupee touching a record low of Rs 96.83 against the dollar and fuel prices rising by nearly Rs 4 per litre over the past five days, transportation and logistics costs have surged. The impact is now visible in the prices of rice, pulses, milk, edible oil, vegetables and other grocery items.
Market surveys conducted in Mithapur Mandi, Patna Market Committee and Chitkohra Market indicate that an average middle-class family in Patna is now spending nearly Rs 1,000 extra every month due to rising prices.
Fuel Price Hike Driving Inflation
Traders and transporters say the sharp increase in diesel prices has directly affected freight charges, making transportation of goods costlier.
Freight charges for transporting goods from Kolkata have reportedly increased from Rs 170 per quintal to Rs 220-225 per quintal. Transportation costs from Madhya Pradesh have gone up from Rs 190 to Rs 240 per quintal, while transport charges from Maharashtra have risen from Rs 300 to Rs 340 per quintal.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States have also intensified the global fuel crisis. CNG prices have increased by around Rs 2 per kilogram, reaching Rs 79.09 per kg in several cities.
Milk Prices Rise Across Brands
After Amul and Mother Dairy increased milk prices by Rs 2 per litre on May 14, Sudha Dairy has also revised its rates upward.
Sudha Gold full cream milk will now cost Rs 67 per litre, while Sudha Shakti milk has increased from Rs 57 to Rs 59 per litre. Cow milk prices have risen from Rs 54 to Rs 56 per litre.
Dairy companies attributed the hike to rising fodder, packaging and fuel costs.
Gold, Silver and Wedding Expenses Increase
The Centre’s decision on May 13 to increase import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15% has also pushed jewellery prices higher.
The price of 10 grams of gold has reportedly reached around Rs 1.60 lakh, while silver prices have climbed to Rs 2.85 lakh per kilogram. Rising jewellery prices have affected wedding-related purchases, with many families struggling to manage budgets.
Grocery Bills Continue to Climb
Retailers across Patna said prices of pulses, rice, spices and edible oil have increased by Rs 2 to Rs 5 per kilogram or more over the past few weeks.
Consumers visiting Chitkohra Market expressed concern over the steady rise in household expenses.
Sushma, a shopper at the market, said edible oil, spices, pulses and rice had all become more expensive. “If petrol and diesel prices rise, every product eventually becomes costly,” she said.
How Much More Are Families Spending?
According to estimates by local traders:
- A household consuming 30 litres of petrol per month will spend around Rs 120 more due to the recent fuel hike.
- Families using 30 kg of CNG monthly may spend an additional Rs 60.
- A household consuming two litres of milk daily will spend nearly Rs 120 extra every month.
- Grocery expenses for a six-member middle-class family are estimated to increase by at least Rs 500 monthly.
When transportation, fuel, fruits, toiletries and other essentials are added, the total monthly burden on an average family is expected to rise by nearly Rs 1,000.
Transporters Warn of Further Price Hikes
Deepak Kumar, manager at SMG Transport, said the rise in diesel prices has put immense pressure on the transport sector.
“We are facing increasing operational costs from multiple sides. Freight charges may rise further in the coming weeks,” he said.
Patna Food Merchant Association member Shamshad said inflation has severely affected fruit sales. He claimed daily apple sales had dropped sharply due to higher prices and reduced consumer spending.
“Earlier, 12 truckloads of apples were sold daily. Now only two to three vehicles are being sold,” he said.
Local shopkeepers also reported price hikes in snacks and staple items. Anil Kumar, who runs a roasted snack shop in Kesari Nagar, said mixture prices increased from Rs 130 to Rs 140 per kg, while roasted gram and maize products also became costlier.
More Price Hikes Expected
Experts believe inflationary pressure may continue in the coming months.
Petrol and Diesel Could Become Costlier
Global crude oil prices have reportedly increased from $67 per barrel in February to nearly $107 per barrel now. Analysts believe state-run oil companies are under heavy financial pressure and fuel prices may rise further by Rs 13-14 per litre if crude prices remain elevated.
Edible Oil Prices May Rise Further
Major FMCG companies are expected to increase edible oil prices by another 5-6% due to rising import and shipping costs. India imports nearly 60% of its edible oil requirement, making domestic prices highly sensitive to global disruptions.
Daily Use Products May Become More Expensive
Companies such as Nestlé, Britannia and ITC have indicated that rising packaging, transportation and raw material costs may force further price hikes on soaps, shampoos, biscuits and packaged foods.
Some companies may also resort to reducing product quantity instead of directly increasing prices.
Medicines and Medical Devices Under Pressure
The pharmaceutical sector is also witnessing rising input costs. Industry sources said the raw material cost for common medicines like paracetamol has increased sharply in recent weeks.
Plastic-based medical supplies such as syringes, IV bottles, diagnostic kits and medicine packaging may also become more expensive due to rising petrochemical costs linked to the global oil crisis.
Economists warn that if fuel prices and global crude rates continue to rise, inflationary pressure on household essentials may intensify further in the coming months, placing additional burden on middle-class and lower-income families across Bihar.
