Srinagar Nov 4: The hike of Rs 1.82 per litre in petrol has evoked sharp criticism from the common man, traders and salaried class in the Valley.
 With this hike that came into effect from Friday midnight the petrol will be sold at Rs 71.52 per litre in the Valley. This is the fourth hike in petrol prices this year.
 Treasurer, Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) Tariq Rashid said: ‘This is most unfortunately thing to happen at this crucial juncture, when our economy is under recession. The hike would add to the woes of beleaguered business class in the state.”
 The fuel price rise has worst affected common people, especially professionals who are in the field jobs.
 Those in marketing jobs are feeling brunt of the abnormal hikes more.  Sajad Ahmad, a marketing executive, said: “I earn Rs 5,000 every month and my job is of marketing for which I have to travel a lot.  A good proportion of my salary goes into meeting the expenditure on account of fuel and now this hike is further going to take a toll on my purse.”
 “Government increases price of petrol after every month and it has become difficult for ordinary people to make savings,” said Javid Ahmad, an employee, who daily travels between his office to home in his vehicle.
 “Government should install CNG  and LPG filling stations, so that people  can  give petrol vehicles a go by,” he suggested.
 Abid Shafi, a student of Kashmir University coming daily from Pampore is worried about the petrol hike.
 He said: “The frequent increase in the petrol price is worrisome for the student community. As they are hardly left with pocket money, the price hike adds to their woes.”
 An agitated consumer buying petrol at the filling station in Nowshera said: “The hike should be withdrawn. Hike in petrol means hike in almost every commodity.”
 A trader in Lal Chowk said: “The hike affects the overall trade. It increases the price of our goods which ultimately puts a burden on the common consumers.”

Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 5 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST