The loadshedding in the district has pushed up demand for kerosene and diesel as merchants have started using generators to operate their business establishments.
Faced with the 'five-hour official power cut', they have no choice but to buy the fuel to keep their business running, trade sources here said.
Cost of kerosence, which was available in the black at Rs 25 per litre till Wednesday,has shot up and is now selling at Rs 30 per litre, the sources said.
Similarly the diesel sales in petrol retail outlets has increased three-fold and the petrol retail outlet dealers say if the same situation continues, there will be shortage of the fuel within ten days.
"Then we will have to sell premium diesel which is Rs two more than ordinary diesel," they said.
The prices of all commodities in the local market have shot up as a result of increase in prices of diesel and kerosene, the sources added.
