Imlisanen Jamir
Despite the fall in global crude oil prices, we are looking at unprecedented rise in the price of fuel ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic effects on the producer and consumer side across the world has shown how despite all the swanky PR campaigns, agreements and projects, the world is severely underprepared to even begin moving away from a crude oil driven life.
For the first time in the country, diesel prices have overtaken petrol prices and in Nagaland, fuel prices as of today are Rs 86-87 per liter for petrol and Rs 77 to 80 per liter in different parts of the State.
Caused by the State and Central Governments’ choice to increase tariff on fuel products in order to soften the blow to the State exchequer caused by COVID-19, the general public have been the ones to be hit the hardest. Governments at all levels have been bombarded by constant criticism, given the toll that this price rise has taken on the market and the public.
But to be honest, despite the real concerns of the general public, a lot of the backlash has been the usual politicking.
This current crisis has also revealed the instability a sudden move away from petroleum would bring.
Two months ago, the world experienced a historic collapse in oil prices, as COVID-19 related shutdowns reduced global demand. Since then, prices have rebounded a little, but they remain unsustainably low for countries that depend on oil exports for revenue generation.
The resulting instability raises a flurry of immediate concerns. But the current crisis also offers a stark preview of the challenges the world will face when drastic changes will have to be forced due to climate change or when the oil eventually and inevitably runs out.
Like it or not, fuel drives the current status quo. The combination of weakened governments, broad economic calamity, and surging violence is a recipe for severe crises.
The fuel crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is a rehearsal of sorts, one that also offers a chance for societies to make the necessary transition.
A transition to a green economy cannot happen at the flip of a switch; but like it or not, it will have to be done. Our sincerity and the fine points of the efforts to combat climate-change will determine how well we’ll fare when we reach that point.
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
