The possible increase in the prices of petrol and diesel in India may now have a deeper impact on the pockets of common consumers. According to the latest reports and industry indications, mobile recharge plans may become expensive in the coming times. Although no official announcement has been made by the telecom companies yet, market experts are pointing towards a possible change in this direction.
Experts say that there is both direct and indirect relationship between mobile tariffs and fuel prices. Large quantities of electricity and diesel are required to operate telecom towers across the country. Tower generators in many remote and rural areas still depend on diesel. In such a situation, if the prices of petrol and diesel increase, then the operational costs of network companies also increase.
This increased cost may ultimately impact consumers. Experts believe that companies may revise tariffs to balance their rising expenses. Due to this, we may see an increase in the prices of mobile recharge plans in the coming months.
According to sources, the Indian telecom sector is already under pressure from huge investments and increasing network traffic. In such a situation, if the cost of fuel and logistics increases, it may be difficult for companies to maintain services at the current rates.
Apart from this, fuel prices also impact activities like transportation, tower maintenance and network expansion in the operation of mobile services. An industry expert said, “Rising fuel costs impact the entire supply chain, the impact of which gradually reaches the retail customers.”
However, it is a matter of relief for consumers that till now no major telecom company—like Jio, Airtel or Vodafone Idea—has made any official announcement of increasing the tariff. But considering the current market conditions, the possibility of change in the coming time cannot be ruled out.
Analysts also say that if the tariff increases, then this increase can be implemented gradually and on different plans, so that the consumer is not suddenly burdened. Last time also the tariff increase in the telecom sector was done in a phased manner.
At the same time, consumer organizations believe that transparency is necessary before any increase and companies should make it clear why the prices are being increased.
