Srinagar, May 23: The steep petrol price hike by the central government today came in for sharp criticism with people from different walks of life condemning  it, saying  the hike will be ‘unbearable’ for aam admi.
 While the business community termed the hike as “uncalled for”, salaried class and common people called it “unbearable”.
 Chairman, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Muhammad Yaseen Khan told Greater Kashmir: “It is unfortunate that the government has gone for the highest ever hike of petrol prices, which will definitely have adverse impact on the overall economy.”
 “The hike of Rs 7.50 is unmanageable,” he said.
 “Hike in the petrol prices will increase transportation costs. It will increase the price of almost all commodities in the market, which would add to the inflation that has already broken the back of common man,” Khan who is also President of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) said.
 He said it is the “moral responsibility” of state government to reduce the VAT on petrol, in order to provide relief to common people.
 President, Chamber Commerce and Industries (CCIK), Muhammad Afzal Parray said: “We are opposing this hike. It will have bad impact on our transport sector.”
 “J&K is consumer state where we import almost everything and hike in the prices of petrol will definitely have more impact on us,” he said.
 “Our fruit industry will also be badly effect by the hike, as we have to transport fruit to other states,” he said.
 Secretary General, KEA, Siraj Ahmad said: “It is for the first time that such a steep hike has been effected. It is totally unimaginable and it will have drastic impact on the economic conditions of the state.”
 “For a state like ours, which is facing huge challenges on economic front, the hike will have serious repercussions. People of the state will be further pushed towards penury,” he said.
 President, Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Owners Federation, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said: “It will have devastating effect on the tourism sector as  most of the bookings have taken place and it includes transport expenses also. Now transporters will demand extra money, it will spoil all the arrangements. It is very huge hike of more than 10 per cent at a time and now state government should come forward to safeguard the interests of common people.” 
 Umer Lanker, a student said: “The frequent increase in the petrol price is worrisome for the student community.”
 An agitated consumer at a filling station in Nowshera said: “The hike should be withdrawn. Hike in petrol means hike in almost every commodity. This hike is unbearable.”
 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.”
 Meanwhile, the petrol dealers too does not seem happy with the price hike. “The hike is no way giving us any benefit. Rather we face loss due to evaporation.”
 Notably, the central today announced Rs. 7.50 hike per litre of petrol that shall come into effect from midnight tonight.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 IST