BANGALORE: Many people in the city are unhappy with the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel.

Satish said that petrol prices have become so high that he would not be able to use his car often. " I will probably use it three times a week and use public transport the remaining days," he said. "I will also cut down on going on drives and going out often," he added.

Stella Chandar, a college student, said she would leave her motorcycle at home and use public transport most often from now on. "Bus is the only mode of transport that I can afford. The problem is that it takes too much time to get from one place to another."

The Government on Monday increased the price of petrol by Rs. 4 and diesel by Rs. 2 a litre. In Bangalore, the price of petrol went up by Rs. 4.49. at Rs. 55.15 a litre and diesel prices went up by Rs. 2.25 at Rs. 37.51 a litre.

Mariappa, manager of Bowring Service Station on St. Mark's Road, said that business was low on Tuesday. "A lot of people filled petrol on the weekend when they heard that prices were going to go up."

Mr. Dinesh, a software engineer, said it was unfair that prices in the city were much higher than neighbouring cities. "Why should we shoulder a bigger burden?" he asked.

Criticised

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owner's and Agents Association has criticised the increase in fuel prices. The association said that the price difference between Karnataka and the neighbouring States was almost a rupee and-a-half.

The Association said the State Government was making the situation worse by imposing a sales tax of 22 per cent.

The decision to increase fuel prices seemed to have created quite a stir in the city. Many petrol outlets were far more deserted than usual. A section of the society were unaffected by the price rise but the middle-class seemed most affected.

Jagan, an ex-serviceman, said he would continue using his vehicle as there was no other option considering the city's traffic situation.

On the other hand, Aditi, a young employee, complained that it would affect her quite a lot.

"I can now afford to only go to work and back on my vehicle."

Some people still prefer to use their own vehicles rather than public transport. Gopinath, a student, said: "I probably have to use buses to commute as being a student I cannot afford petrol anymore."

Even though the students would seem to be most affected, some are hardly bothered by the increase in price. This was clearly reflected by Aditya, a student, claiming to be unaffected as his father would be the one paying for the fuel.

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