Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The English language relies heavily on correct verb conjugation to convey meaning accurately. The prompt, "Recently the price of petrol has up. (go)", presents an incomplete sentence requiring the correct past tense form of the verb 'go' to complete the thought. The use of 'recently' indicates a past event, necessitating the past simple or past participle form depending on the auxiliary verb used. Correctly identifying and applying the appropriate tense is crucial for clear and effective communication.
Recently, the price of petrol has gone up.
Explanation of Grammatical Correction
The original sentence fragment was grammatically incorrect. The verb 'go' needed to be in the past participle form ('gone') to correctly function with the auxiliary verb 'has' in the present perfect tense. The present perfect tense ('has gone up') is appropriate here because the action (price increase) happened at an unspecified time in the recent past and has relevance to the present.
Why other tenses are incorrect:
- Past Simple ('went up'): While grammatically correct in isolation, "Recently, the price of petrol went up" implies a completed action with no current relevance. The 'recently' suggests a continuing impact.
- Present Tense ('goes up'): Incorrect as the adverb 'recently' indicates a past event.
Factors Influencing Petrol Price Increases
The increase in petrol prices is a complex issue influenced by several factors. Understanding these factors provides context to the grammatical correction.
- Crude Oil Prices: The primary driver of petrol prices is the global price of crude oil. Fluctuations in international markets, often due to geopolitical events or supply-demand imbalances, directly impact petrol prices.
- Exchange Rate: As India imports a significant portion of its crude oil, the exchange rate between the Indian Rupee (INR) and the US Dollar (USD) plays a crucial role. A weaker Rupee makes imports more expensive.
- Taxes and Duties: Central and state governments levy various taxes and duties on petrol, including excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), and cess. Changes in these taxes significantly affect the retail price.
- Demand and Supply: Domestic demand and supply dynamics also influence prices. Increased demand, especially during peak seasons, can lead to price hikes.
Recent Trends in Petrol Prices (as of knowledge cutoff - early 2023)
| Year | Average Petrol Price (INR/Litre - Delhi) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 69.59 |
| 2021 | 108.74 |
| 2022 | 104.20 |
Source: Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (Data as of knowledge cutoff - early 2023)
Government Interventions
The government has implemented various measures to mitigate the impact of rising petrol prices, including:
- Excise Duty Cuts: The central government has periodically reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to provide relief to consumers.
- Oil Bonds: Issuing oil bonds to oil marketing companies (OMCs) to absorb some of the price increases.
- Promoting Alternative Fuels: Encouraging the use of alternative fuels like ethanol-blended petrol (E10 and E20) to reduce dependence on crude oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the corrected sentence, "Recently, the price of petrol has gone up," demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar, specifically the correct application of the present perfect tense. The increase in petrol prices is a multifaceted issue influenced by global economic factors, government policies, and domestic demand. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving diversification of energy sources, efficient taxation policies, and strategic management of the oil supply chain.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.