Rising prices of essential commodities and fuel during festivals increase burden on middle class

According to a report by TV9 Gujarati, the increase in inflation during the festive season has dampened the Diwali glow for the country's middle-class families. Prices of everything from daily essentials to Diwali firecrackers have skyrocketed. In particular, there has been an uncontrolled rise in the prices of ghee, milk, vegetables, pulses, and legumes. Due to the rise in ghee prices, Diwali sweets have also become expensive, putting more pressure on the pockets of common people.

A significant surge has also been observed in fuel prices. According to TV9 Gujarati, CNG gas prices have been increased twice within just a one-month period. With an increase of ₹2.30, the price of CNG has reached ₹100. Additionally, increases have been noted in PNG, gas cylinders, petrol, and diesel prices. According to a report by Mint, retail prices of petrol and diesel remained stable in major cities on 4 November. The Central Government has reduced the additional excise duty on petrol exports from ₹2.50 per litre to ₹0, which has been effective from 31 October. However, the export levy on diesel has been increased from ₹8.50 per litre to ₹11.50 per litre. According to Mint, global oil prices are fluctuating due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude prices have increased by more than 70% this year.

Gold and silver prices have also risen in Ahmedabad. According to a report by TV9 Gujarati, on 4 November 2026, the price of 24-carat gold is ₹1,39,960 per 10 grams, while the prices of 22-carat and 18-carat are ₹1,28,300 and ₹1,04,970 respectively. There has been an increase of 0.19% in 24 and 18-carat and 0.20% in 22-carat. However, compared to the price of ₹1,49,230 on 4 October 2026, there has been a decrease of ₹9,270 in 24-carat gold. In the last 10 days, 24-carat gold was at a peak of ₹1,44,000 on 28 and 29 October, while it was at a low of ₹1,38,930 on 31 October and 1 November. According to Business Standard, gold has decreased by 25% from the peak prices of January 2026. Due to making and hallmarking charges in physical gold, its cost ranges from ₹1,63,788.20 to ₹1,76,549.60, whereas in Gold ETFs, as there is no such cost, it is available between ₹1,40,659.80 and ₹1,41,359.60.

Travel and other services have also become expensive. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has increased parking charges, due to which people are having to pay double charges. Due to rising fares of private bus operators and exorbitant flight ticket prices, it has become difficult for people to visit their hometowns or go on trips. According to a report by India Today, there has been a major surge in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. ATF prices, which were ₹105 per litre in March, increased to approximately ₹207 in April and were ₹137 per litre in October. This has increased pressure on regional airlines. A company like Star Air has reduced its summer schedule of 68 flights to 52 in the winter schedule due to high fuel costs. Regional airlines are now demanding the government to revive the old ATF Price Stabilisation Fund scheme, which was approved in June 2026 with a budget support of ₹10,000 crore but was discontinued after one month.

Due to all these factors, it is becoming difficult for the general public, especially the middle class, to make ends meet.