New Delhi, May 25 -- With petrol and diesel prices hiked for the fourth time in less than two weeks, consumers across Ranchi, Lucknow and Patna on Monday voiced concern over the growing financial strain, saying the repeated increase in fuel rates would worsen inflation and hit household budgets hard.

Residents said the latest revision in fuel prices would not only make commuting costlier but also push up the prices of vegetables, food grains and other essential commodities due to higher transportation costs.

In Ranchi, commuters said the impact of rising fuel prices is being felt across all household expenses, with some alleging that inflation is worsening without adequate relief.

"The impact is huge. Everything has become expensive. I...