Monday, 26 November 2012

Power shortage impact on diesel - oil prices part -4


The ongoing power crisis across Tamilnadu has created a new concern for diesel availability. Ever since the power shortage started there is a sharp surge in quantity of diesel sold. This diesel consumption surge is due to usage of diesel for generators. Many industries depend on power for mass production of their goods. Because of non availability of power they are forced to operate industries with influence of diesel generators. The subsidy provided to diesel is again misused for purposes other than transportation of commodities. This will lead to additional import of crude oil which in turn adds burden to the oil companies which is already reeling under potential losses. The government need to shell out few dollars in addition to compensate for the misuse of subsidies. Continuous use of diesel for power generation will lead to increase in diesel prices and the basic commodity prices will also rise in parallel to It leaving aam aadhmi in the dark.
The regulation authorities also need to draw certain lines to curb this misuse of subsidy.
It is high time that we all should learn to use the resources in the best possible way. The burning of diesel for generating electricity is adding to pollution woes. The solar energy which is abundant and is the limelight for our future generations is highly untapped. Why don’t we focus on using this energy which is abundant and green to the environment?

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Meltdown of premium petrol variants - oil prices part - 3


                                                 If you are a frequent user of gas stations, you might have noticed the increase in prices of premium petrol products like speed, extra premium etc which were wooing customers with increased efficiency, mileage and with lot of stuffs. Three major oil companies Hindustan petroleum, bharat petroleum and Indian Oil Corporation all set to stop production of these premium variants. 

There is a sharp decrease in consumption of these premium products in market due to continuous rise in oil prices and when government withdrew its subsidy the curtains are almost down. The price difference between premium versions and normal versions earlier would be in the range of 2 to 3 max. But with governments subsidy cut, now the difference mounts to 8 rupees. This can distance consumers from using it. The slump is major setback for the oil companies because of the huge investment spent in branding and infrastructure facilities. Statistical data reveals the setback is already projected three years back which stopped oil companies from further investment in this particular division. It also reveals high end SUV users, who were the main consumers of these premium variants also looking to prefer normal variants. The much hyped premium petrol products which were the cash cows once were now set for a decline.