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Correspondent

21 August 2024 at 10:20:16 am

Fuel Shock

The latest increase in petrol and diesel prices — the fourth hike in just 11 days — underlines how vulnerable India remains to geopolitical turmoil and its own unfinished reforms in the energy sector. Brent crude surged again after fresh American military strikes in southern Iran deepened fears of the renewal of the Iran conflict on a higher scale. Markets are now gripped by uncertainty as hopes of a negotiated settlement continue to fade. For a country like India, which imports more than 80...

Fuel Shock

The latest increase in petrol and diesel prices — the fourth hike in just 11 days — underlines how vulnerable India remains to geopolitical turmoil and its own unfinished reforms in the energy sector. Brent crude surged again after fresh American military strikes in southern Iran deepened fears of the renewal of the Iran conflict on a higher scale. Markets are now gripped by uncertainty as hopes of a negotiated settlement continue to fade. For a country like India, which imports more than 80 percent of its crude oil requirements, every geopolitical tremor in the Gulf quickly translates into pain at the fuel pump. Since May 15, petrol and diesel prices have risen cumulatively by nearly Rs. 7.5 per litre. In Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram, petrol has crossed Rs. 115 a litre. Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai are all witnessing sharp increases. Even Delhi, traditionally cushioned by relatively lower taxes, has seen petrol move beyond Rs. 102 per litre. This marks a significant shift after nearly four years of relative stability in retail fuel prices. For long periods, state-run oil marketing companies absorbed the burden of elevated crude prices, shrinking refining margins and a weakening rupee. Political considerations, particularly around elections, often delayed price revisions. The Rs. 2 per litre reduction announced ahead of the 2024 national elections was a reminder that fuel pricing in India has never been entirely divorced from politics. But oil companies cannot indefinitely absorb mounting losses, especially when global crude prices remain elevated. The Centre has already cut excise duties, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman estimating the revenue sacrifice at nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore. That fiscal cushion has now largely been exhausted. The spotlight is therefore shifting towards states. VAT on fuel remains one of the most lucrative revenue streams for state governments, with some states imposing levies exceeding 30 percent through taxes and cess components. This explains why states such as Telangana, Kerala and West Bengal continue to record some of the highest retail fuel prices in the country. The Centre is now subtly nudging states to reduce VAT rates to soften the blow on consumers. Yet states are reluctant. Their dependence on fuel taxes is structural, not incidental. Apart from excise on liquor, few revenue sources offer such steady and politically manageable returns. Bringing petrol and diesel under the GST framework continues to face bipartisan resistance from states fearful of losing fiscal autonomy. Rising fuel prices do not remain confined to petrol stations. They seep into every layer of the economy as transportation costs rise, food inflation accelerates and household budgets shrink. Small businesses, already coping with weak consumption and high borrowing costs, are facing renewed pressure. India’s recurring vulnerability to crude oil shocks exposes the limits of its energy security architecture. Expansion of strategic petroleum reserves and greater investment in renewable energy can no longer remain aspirational talking points. They must become urgent national priorities.

Seen or Just Judged?

“They just don’t get it.” That’s what 24-year-old Riya told me after yet another office meeting where her suggestions were overlooked. Her enthusiasm was mistaken for inexperience. Her energy, for entitlement. An hour later, one of her older colleagues muttered something that’s becoming all too common: “These Gen Z kids have no clue how the real world works.”


It’s a quiet conflict bubbling under the surface — a clash of outlooks, expectations, and definitions of success. While Gen Z is often branded as entitled or distracted, they’re also bold, expressive, and unafraid to question outdated norms. On the other side, Millennials are juggling responsibilities while trying to stay relevant in a world that suddenly feels like it’s moving too fast. Older generations, meanwhile, carry years of experience but now face the pressure of adapting to systems they never imagined they’d need — from social media etiquette to Slack culture.


Everyone feels misunderstood. Everyone feels like they’re not being seen the way they want to be. It’s ironic. Because the one thing that could help bridge these gaps is the very thing many still dismiss as “just for influencers” — personal branding.


But personal branding isn’t about filters or logos. It’s about clarity. It’s about making sure your presence matches your potential. It’s about how people feel after they’ve worked with you, spoken to you, or simply heard your name. And in a workplace divided by generations, that clarity is your greatest strength.


Take Riya, for instance. She wasn’t wrong in her ideas — in fact, they were future-forward. But the way she presented them lacked context. She assumed everyone would understand her perspective because it made sense to her. On the flip side, her manager, a seasoned professional, failed to acknowledge her effort because he was too focused on structure and protocol. Both were right. Both were wrong. What was missing wasn’t skill — it was the story they were telling through their actions, tone, and presence.


Personal branding gives each individual a chance to shape their narrative before others do it for them. It’s not about loudness — it’s about intentionality. When someone knows what they stand for, they become easier to understand, collaborate with, and trust — regardless of age or experience.


And no, building a personal brand doesn’t mean becoming a content creator. It means knowing what matters to you, how you work best, what kind of impact you want to leave behind, and then showing up in ways that reflect that — consistently. It’s about being remembered not just for your work, but for your presence, your approach, and your values.


In a time where generations feel more divided than ever, personal branding offers a rare bridge. It humanizes. It connects. It shifts the focus from age to value, from perception to presence.


The truth is, we don’t need Gen Z to “calm down” or Millennials to “speak up” or Gen X to “get with the times.” We need everyone to be seen and heard — clearly. That clarity starts with self-awareness and flows into how we present ourselves in every interaction, every email, every meeting.


What I’ve learned working across age groups is this: people don’t want to be labelled. They want to be understood. And the fastest way to be understood is to first understand who you are — not just to yourself, but to others. Because in a world full of noise, the clearest voice is the one that knows who it is—and dares to be understood. That’s what personal branding does. It gives you the language, the energy, and the tools to build relationships that last beyond roles, titles, or trends. Whether you're just starting out or carrying decades of experience, your brand is the one thing that truly belongs to you. Make it count.


I know it gets difficult at times juggling between situations but its never too late to make the first move. Want someone to rely on and help you through this journey? Feel free to connect with me

LinkedIn: DivyaaAdvaani

Instagram: @suaveu6

Youtube : @suaveu (Suave U- DivyaaAdvaani )


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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