Commercial LPG, ATF, home appliances and passport fee costlier from October
State-run oil firms raised commercial cylinder and aviation fuel prices, appliance makers raised rates by 5% to 8%, and the fee for a fresh passport rose by Rs 1,000.
Signs of rising prices were visible even before October began, with several rule changes set to affect the cost of a number of items. The month has now started and many things have become costlier. In the festival season, this means consumers may have to pay more.
State-run oil companies IOC, HPCL and BPCL have raised the price of the 19-kg commercial cylinder by Rs 62.50. A commercial gas cylinder now costs Rs 2,810 in Delhi, while in Mumbai the price has reached Rs 2,764. The steepest increase was in Patna, where the price rose by Rs 71.50. Because of the increase, food at roadside eateries and restaurants, and catering for weddings, may become slightly costlier.
State-run oil companies have also raised the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), used in aircraft, today. The increase is Rs 16 per litre. Fuel accounts for 40% of an airline's total operating costs. Airfares are therefore likely to rise during Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja, and air travellers may have to spend more on tickets than before.
Electronic goods have also become costlier around Diwali and Dussehra. Prices of raw materials such as copper, steel and aluminium have risen worldwide, forcing companies to raise the prices of home appliances. Prices of these appliances have gone up by 5% to 8%. As a result, smart TVs, split ACs, refrigerators and washing machines will now cost more. Buyers may have to pay an extra Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,500 for them.
Those applying for passports may also have to pay more. Whether it is a fresh passport or a renewal, the cost may go up. A fresh passport in the general category has become costlier, with the fee up by Rs 1,000.
