Rising prices and a ship-sized hole in household budget in Tamil Nadu
Rising fuel and food prices in Tamil Nadu are significantly impacting household budgets, forcing many to skip meals. The increase in costs has led to concerns about the sustainability of livelihoods for those dependent on daily commuting. As restaurants and eateries adjust their prices, many residents are feeling the financial strain, particularly in urban areas.
- ▪Mahalakshmi R. reports that rising fuel and food prices have cut into her daily earnings, making it difficult to afford meals.
- ▪The Union government recently increased fuel prices, with petrol reaching ₹105.31 and diesel ₹96.98 in Chennai.
- ▪Residents in Chennai's Triplicane neighborhood have seen their daily food expenses rise by ₹50 to ₹125 in recent weeks.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
For Mahalakshmi R., who has been riding a bike taxi for nearly two years, every increase in fuel and food prices directly cuts into her daily earnings. What was once enough for three modest meals a day is no longer sufficient. “I earn an average of ₹700 to ₹1,000 each day, depending on the number of rides. I spend around ₹200 on fuel for my vehicle. Earlier I could manage food expenses within ₹250 a day. Now I skip meals because the prices of everything have gone up. Even idlis cost much more now,” she says, as she waits for the next ride request.As fuel costs climb and food becomes increasingly unaffordable, fresh concerns over a possible return to large-scale work-from-home arrangements have added another layer of uncertainty for drivers like her, whose livelihoods depend entirely on…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Hindu — Top
