(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Public opinion on the streets of Muscat
Fuel prices have reached a new high. Have you been affected by the increase and in what ways?
Hamoud al Hadrami
Private sector employee
Yes, fuel price hike has increased prices of many commodities in the market. This has also affected my monthly expenses as my salary hasn't increased. Now, I have to look at ways to cut expenditure. I also don't drive around too much now.
Hasna Michmich
Marketing manager
Every state faces downturn and growth. But if the downturn is severe it will damage the economy. The impact due to drop in crude prices will stay at least for five years as the government needs to repay many loans and bonds. This trend will impact people severely as cost of living will increase.
Girish Kukade
Doctor
Increase in petrol price will increase expenses and affect people who have families. Lack of money may have quite adverse impacts on the society in future.
Dr Safa Eysa
Radiologist
Yes, petrol price increase has affected many people. This has led to increase in cost of living because petrol is the basis of life today.
Fareed al Musallami
Bank employee
Petrol prices are at their highest now in Oman. Petrol expenses have doubled for me as I live in Seeb and work in Ruwi. It has affected my monthly expenditure.
Maulid al Dhawi
Storekeeper
The hike in petrol prices has affected me. I live in Amerat and work in Ma'abela. So what I used to spend on petrol three years ago has now doubled. It has affected my monthly expenses and so I have to look for ways to reduce spending.
Do you think there is a need to fix a (maximum) ceiling on petrol prices? Or do you think it should continue the way it is?
Syed Junaid Ali
Rental & leasing executive
The authorities shouldn't let fuel prices spiral out of control. There has to be a ceiling, where people find comfort in the knowledge that even if international fuel prices touch US$100, they would be protected from it.
Yahya al Hasani
Government employee
The continuous rise in fuel prices is not good for people and the economy. It has to stop somewhere and cannot be left to breach the maximum limit of 200bz/litre for M91 at least. I hope we somehow get back to the same price of 120bz/litre (the price before the fuel prices were deregulated).
Syed Mohammed
Manager
The authorities have taken care of a few people by introducing subsidised fuel cards, but they should also think of the plight of many more who have modest income. There should be a ceiling on the maximum price too, so that people know if they can afford to keep a vehicle in the long run.
Aravind Buchaiah Boddu
Medical underwriter
The announcement of a ceiling price would be welcome. But it should also be noted that the authorities are dealing with the economic slowdown head on. A lot of initiatives too have been taken such as improving public transport service and introducing additional subsidies for the disadvantaged.
Harjeet Singh
Head of finance
A cap might be good but, a lot of factors come into play when deciding on a price. What is for certain is that most people around the world are unhappy about petrol prices and will continue to remain so.
Yahya Hamed Saif al Gharbi
Claims executive
I think a cap would be a good thing. People would be able to determine a budget and consumer confidence could go up. At present each month one is under pressure to find out how much the hike would be.
The rise in fuel prices has led a few to start taking public transport (Mwasalat buses). Would you consider doing the same?
Abhirup Roy
Filmmaker
Yes, surely this is indeed a good move. However, I would prefer taking buses only for long distances and when I have time in hand. These public buses sometimes run late and are not suitable if you want to reach somewhere fast.
Krupali Sampath
Business development manager
No, I would not use public transport but would go for a low mileage car. Buses are quite slow and waste time.
Bahaar Siddiqui
Counsellor
If fuel prices really touch the peak, then I will opt for public transport as it will be more affordable and convenient then.
Suchismita Singh
Artist
If the public transport is good then why not go for it. If Mwasalat expands its routes and starts feeder service for transporting people to main bus stops then many will take buses. I prefer travelling by bus but have not started yet because Mwasalat does not reach all places. Till then I will prefer car pooling.
Shalini Jalas
Senior brand executive
I do not know if rise in fuel prices has encouraged travel by Mwasalat buses. But I know many who have started car pooling. Bus services here are in the infancy stage. It is yet to grow more. I prefer to take a bus depending on where I wish to go.
Shaiban al Shaibani
Section head
There is nothing like travelling by Mwasalat buses. Travelling by bus has its own advantages. Accidents have come down, there is less traffic and minimal traffic snarls to encounter. The Mwasalat bus might not drop you at the exact point where you want to reach but somewhere closeby. There are taxis around to travel in the bylanes. Mwasalat's feeder services are also increasing. Buses also serve the same purpose as car pooling.
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