Why I am ok with rising fuel prices

 Why I don't mind rising fuel prices!

2020 was an unusual year. Corona not only shut down businesses and production (leading to shrinking of GDP) but also entailed huge expenditure by the govt. Now, whether the money reached each one of us or not would remain a matter of debate about our DNA that has enough strains of corruption, the financial outlay is as under:-

-Rs 3500 for every positive case for provision of oxymeter, thermometer and vitamin supplements. India had more than 1,00,00,000 cases.

- Rs 1.25 Lakh per Corona death for cremation and other expenses. (ever wondered why every death was being shown as Corona case).

-Eight months of free rations and financial assistance to BPLs and labourers.

To add to all that, chinks arrived at our borders. Billions were spent to mobilise and house 60,000 additional troops and create facilities for them. The fact that we didn't suffer any major catastrophe despite the harsh winters, goes to prove that enough was done. Now add defence purchases (unplanned).

After every war or even major natural disaster (and there is no economic shut down even during wars), govts have been levying cess on income tax and even on commercial taxes. Many had expected such a cess in the budget but the govt refrained from it. The taxation on fuel, however, is a tricky subject. As on date, petrol etc are the most expensive in non-bjp states. States, by increasing their taxes, are raking in moolah while letting the central govt earn the wrath of the common people.

At 65USD a barrel, oil is not at its highest (though 125 a barrel @ INR 50 a dollar then Vs 65 a barrel@ INR 73 today will need some maths too work out the actual difference) and, therefore, ppl have issues with the prices. But we have moved out of subsidy days and let's get used to it.

A lot, therefore, was spent on saving lives and securing the sovereignty of the nation. If I am made to shoulder that expense to a little extent, I am ok with it. 

Another silver lining is the reaction of the govt. Pushed to a spot due to rising fuel prices, govt is showing resolve to switch over to alternate fuels. In another half a decade, petrol and diesel would be history and we would be better off. Till then, my country men and women, let's chug along and cut down on own consumptions, if we can.

#Indiafirst.

Jai Hind.

@Aj