Calls for checks on commercial outlets after fuel hike

As petrol prices are set to go up again from tomorrow, some consumers have requested the authorities concerned to monitor commercial establishments as they feel some of these may try to take advantage of the situation.

“The revised petrol price should not be used as an excuse by any commercial establishment to jack up the prices of its products or services,” a Doha resident said.

Already, there are complaints of some eateries reducing the quantity of food served to customers. “This is as good as increasing the price of foodstuff itself,” a resident said.

Fears of a “direct or indirect” price increase stem from the fact that several delivery vehicles still run on petrol. Diesel has been spared a price revision and hence will not change in August.

Some residents maintain the view that since the diesel price has not been increased, the fears of a cascading effect on products and services are unfounded.

“Large cargoes mostly move on diesel vehicles. Perhaps, this is the reason why the authorities concerned have left diesel out of any price revision. It’s a wise move,” an expatriate executive said.

Higher living costs seem to have already put many residents in difficulties. A staff of a restaurant along Najma Street said, “We haven’t increased food prices, but still have experienced a decline in customers. Looks like many people are now moderating their spending habits and this has taken a toll on our sales.”

An official at a popular hypermarket in Doha said they would not increase the prices of consumer goods despite the petrol price hike announced for next month.

“Most of our suppliers are from outside Qatar, which is why our product prices are not that affected by fluctuations in the local economy. But of course, our operating costs may get affected when petrol prices go up,” he pointed out.

Petrol prices in Qatar will go up by Dh5 a litre next month while there will be no change in the diesel price.

Courtesy: gulf-times.com