Second fuel price hike in a week draws concern among motorists in Erode

The hike in fuel prices for the second time in a week has come as a cause for concern for motorists already grappling with the rising cost of essential commodities and other expenses.

On Tuesday (May 19, 2026), the price of diesel was increased by 86 paise, taking it from ₹95.78 per litre on Monday (May 18, 2026) to ₹96.64 per litre in Erode. Petrol prices also rose by 82 paise, with a litre now costing ₹104.97, compared with ₹104.15 on Monday. The latest hike has added to the burden of middle-class families and daily commuters, residents said.

The rise in the price of LPG commercial cylinders three months ago had already forced tea stalls, hotels, eateries and bakeries to increase the prices of food items by at least 10%. Residents feared the latest hike would lead to a further increase in the prices of vegetables, groceries and transport services.

“Hike in fuel prices has pushed up the prices of vegetables and essential commodities, and we are under immense financial stress,” said V. Moorthy, a salaried employee at a private concern. The latest hike would further strain household finances, particularly those of the middle class, he added.

Many residents pointed out that autorickshaw drivers, taxi operators and commercial vehicle owners had already increased fares by 10% to 20% owing to rising operational costs. “The fare has been increased from ₹13 a km to ₹15 a km,” said a private taxi driver.

Parents also expressed concern over the reopening of schools in the first week of June, fearing that transport operators would increase charges for ferrying children to schools. “People are already finding it difficult to cope with the increase in prices of commodities, LPG cylinders and fuel,” said T. Saveetha, a homemaker from Kollampalayam.