Fuel price burden
Petrol and diesel prices have been increased again within just ten days. The hike applies to petrol, diesel and CNG as well. According to the opposition, this increase was expected, and prices have reportedly been rising every two days after the election results in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The price rise has a direct impact on the common man, increasing household expenses. Earlier, the gap between diesel and petrol prices was much wider, but today there is very little difference between the two, with a margin of barely eight rupees. The rise in fuel prices affects transportation costs, which in turn leads to an increase in the prices of milk, vegetables and other essential commodities used in daily life. The burden is ultimately passed on to consumers, affecting every household budget. With fuel prices rising, the Goa government has also increased the price of Goa Dairy milk by Rs 2. The US dollar has also strengthened against the rupee in recent weeks, adding further pressure. If this trend continues, the common man will have to brace for more hardship in the days ahead. Earlier, when prices were relatively stable, consumers did not receive much relief in petrol and diesel rates. Today, the cost of living continues to rise, and there appears to be little control over prices. During Manohar Parrikar’s tenure, there was a Rs 10 rebate on VAT in Goa, but that relief is no longer available, with no immediate signs of relief for consumers.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Mango magic
The mango season brings cheer to both young and old, as everyone enjoys the king of fruits at its very best. Hapus mango is especially loved for its rich taste, and mango shake made with milk and sugar, served chilled, is a refreshing summer favourite. People in the South prepare manga kadi during this season. Apart from Hapus, markets in Mumbai are also filled with varieties such as Dasheri, Badami and Banganapalli, all known for their sweetness and flavour. With the market overflowing with mangoes, one is truly spoilt for choice. However, the issue of chemical ripening continues to worry consumers. The use of artificial ripening methods in mangoes and other fruits has raised concerns among those who enjoy seasonal produce. Often, the smaller mangoes are the most delicious. I remember one of my uncles enjoying them whole, without cutting them, relishing every bite down to the seed. While living in Chinchwad, Pune, there was a mango tree just outside my balcony, and I would often pluck a ripe mango by hand in the evening after returning from work and enjoy it as my tiffin. In Kerala, many households prepare delicious mango pickles and preserve them to be eaten with curd rice. Curd rice with mango pickle is a wonderful combination. Mangoes, in every form, are enjoyed by people of all ages. But among the best treats of all remains the mango-and-cream bowl made with Alphonso mango at Mumbai’s Haji Ali Juice Centre.
C K Subramaniam, Mumbai
End double benefits
When one spouse works with the State government and the other with the Central government, the former often has the option of availing medical facilities, reimbursements and leave travel concessions through the latter, while continuing to follow the service rules of the State government. Since the benefits available to Central government employees are often more favourable, the details of the State government spouse are included in the family declaration of the Central government employee. This practice should be reviewed, as both spouses are already government employees and receive benefits according to their respective service entitlements, including allowances and other perks. At a time when many people remain unemployed and lack access to proper medical facilities, it appears unfair that spouses employed under two different governments may avail overlapping benefits. Children should ideally be listed in the family declaration of one parent only, without being shifted later between declarations.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Rising milk costs
Goa Dairy has increased the price of milk by Rs 2 from May 25, reportedly due to rising input costs linked to the ongoing global crisis. Earlier, Amul had also announced a Rs 2 per litre increase across various milk variants, effective May 14. This raises an important question: why are essential food items becoming steadily more expensive even when they are produced locally? While recent fuel price increases linked to global tensions may explain the rising cost of petrol and diesel, many consumers are struggling to understand why milk, a daily necessity for children, senior citizens and families, has also become costlier. At first glance, milk appears to have little connection with international conflicts or crude oil shipping routes. However, fuel prices affect nearly every stage of the dairy supply chain. Farmers depend on diesel-powered transport to move fodder, cattle feed and milk. The cultivation of cattle feed relies on fertilisers, irrigation pumps and transportation, all of which are influenced by fuel prices.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
