The steep rise in the bulk purchase price of diesel has come as a huge blow to road transport corporations (RTCs) in the State which are already reeling under heavy financial losses due to the pandemic. The per litre price of diesel went up by ₹17 with effect from March 16. As a result, RTCs, which were buying diesel at ₹90 per litre in the first week of March are now shelling out close to ₹107.
RTCs in the State purchase fuel at bulk purchase rate and rates get revised every 15 days. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMTC) is spending an additional ₹40 lakh on fuel every day, while the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) saw its fuel bill rise by ₹90 lakh.
As per the new rate, the RTCs will spend a total of an additional ₹65 crore per month towards fuel purchase. On the other hand, the retail price of diesel in the city is lower at ₹85 per litre.