By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 16, 2021: The Covid-19 pandemic has left many with exhausted economic resources and no source of income. Now, they are virtually cornered to live with a spike in prices of essential goods such as edible oil and pulses apart from petrol and diesel during the second wave of the pandemic.

Petrol and diesel price have shot up to around Rs 100 per litre in several places across the state, while the price of mustard oil was Rs 110 to 120 per kg last year, the price is now Rs 185 to 195 per kg. Refined oil is being sold for Rs 150 to 165. In the last one year, prices of essential food items have increased by 40 to 100 per cent. This is making it very difficult for families to make ends meet.

With, the situation has become difficult for households already reeling under the Covid crisis. The hike in fuel prices comes at a time when essentials like oil, tea and pulses have started pinching pockets. And the worst part is that it comes at a time the majority of people are struggling with financial woes due to Covid-induced job loss and salary cuts.

The fuel price hike has a ripple effect on the cost of other essentials due to rising transportation charges. “Transportation cost has increased significantly due to high diesel prices and this is adding to the cost of essentials. As such, the prices of edible oil and pulses are on the rise, increasing household expense on groceries,” said Sudhakar Panda, secretary of Odisha Byabasayee Sangha.