Bhubaneswar, May 26 -- Recent increase in petrol and diesel prices started affecting consumers across Odisha. Concerns are growing that the cost of vegetables, groceries and other essential commodities may rise further in the coming days.

Fuel prices were revised upwards for the third time within 10 days, triggering apprehension among households, traders and small business owners. While the immediate impact is being felt in transportation costs, residents fear the ripple effect could soon reach almost every aspect of daily life.

Consumers say the burden of rising fuel costs is becoming increasingly difficult to manage at a time when household budgets are already under pressure.

One customer in Balasore said, "We are already beginning t...