The Shillong Times

Fuel Credit Cards for Delivery Riders and Daily Commuters: Is the Annual Fee Worth It?

Ganga — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:51:53 +0000

For delivery partners, cab drivers, sales professionals, and daily commuters, fuel is one of the largest recurring monthly expenses. Even small savings on every refill can add up over the course of the year. This is why fuel Credit Cards have become increasingly popular. However, many people hesitate because these cards often come with an annual fee. Before you apply for a fuel credit card, it is important to evaluate whether it can generate enough value to justify its cost.

What is a fuel Credit Card?

A fuel credit card is designed to reward customers for eligible fuel purchases while also offering benefits on selected everyday expenses.

Depending on the card, benefits may include:

Rewards on eligible fuel purchases.
Savings on grocery and utility spends.
FASTag recharge benefits.
Rewards on UPI transactions.
Lifestyle and travel privileges.

The exact features depend on the Credit Card variant and the issuer’s terms and conditions.

Is the annual fee worth paying?

The answer depends largely on how much you spend on fuel every month.

If you:

Drive long distances every day.
Work as a delivery rider or ride-hailing driver.
Commute daily by car or motorcycle.
Frequently travel to work.

A fuel Credit Card may generate savings that outweigh its annual fee through rewards and additional benefits.

On the other hand, if you only refuel occasionally, a general rewards Credit Card may offer better overall value.

Look beyond fuel savings

Many people compare only the reward rate on fuel purchases. However, that tells only part of the story.

Consider these additional benefits when comparing cards.

Feature	Why it matters
Grocery and utility rewards	Increases value beyond fuel purchases
FASTag benefits	Helps frequent highway users save more
UPI rewards	Earn rewards on eligible everyday transactions
Welcome benefits	Improves first-year value
Lifestyle privileges	May include roadside assistance, merchant offers, or lounge access

These features can significantly improve the overall value of a fuel Credit Card.

Estimate your annual savings

Before you apply for a credit card, estimate how much value you are likely to receive over a year.

Ask yourself:

How much do I spend on fuel each month?
Do I regularly use HPCL fuel stations?
Will I use groceries and utility rewards?
Can I meet the annual spend required for a fee waiver?
Will I benefit from additional lifestyle privileges?

Calculating expected savings gives a more realistic picture than focusing only on the annual fee.

Choosing the right fuel Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Bank offers two HPCL co-branded fuel Credit Cards designed for customers with different spending patterns.

Card	Suitable for
FIRST Power Credit Card	Daily commuters looking for fuel rewards along with everyday spending benefits.
FIRST Power+ Credit Card	Customers with higher fuel spends who want enhanced rewards and additional lifestyle privileges.

The FIRST Power Credit Card carries a joining and annual fee of ₹199, which is waived on annual spends of ₹50,000. The FIRST Power+ Credit Card has a joining and annual fee of ₹499, waived on annual spends of ₹1.5 lakh. Both cards offer rewards on eligible HPCL fuel purchases, grocery and utility spends, FASTag recharges, UPI transactions, and additional benefits depending on the card variant. Customers may also enjoy welcome benefits, roadside assistance, merchant offers, and other lifestyle privileges.

Conclusion

For delivery riders and daily commuters, a fuel credit card can deliver meaningful value if it matches their spending habits. The annual fee should not be viewed in isolation. Instead, compare it against the rewards earned on fuel, grocery purchases, FASTag recharges, utility payments, and other eligible spends. Before you start credit card apply process, estimate your annual fuel expenses and evaluate the complete benefit package to determine whether the card can generate savings that exceed its annual cost.

FAQs

What is a fuel Credit Card?

A fuel Credit Card is designed to offer rewards and savings on eligible fuel purchases, along with benefits on selected everyday spending categories.

Is a fuel Credit Card suitable for delivery riders?

Customers with high monthly fuel expenses, such as delivery riders and daily commuters, may find greater value from a fuel Credit Card than occasional users.

Should I choose a card based only on fuel rewards?

No. Consider annual fees, fee waivers, grocery and utility rewards, FASTag benefits, UPI rewards, and lifestyle privileges before choosing a card.

Can the annual fee be waived?

Some fuel Credit Cards offer an annual fee waiver if you meet the required spending threshold during the membership year.

Can I apply for a fuel Credit Card online?

Yes. Eligible customers can apply for a credit card online, subject to documentation, KYC verification, the Bank’s eligibility criteria, and approval.

Shillong LS by-election-an a·dokni gital politics-na skanggipa dake niani ong·gen

U'IATTIMGIPAONI — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:24:43 +0000

SHILLONG: Meghalaya a·doko National People’s Party (NPP)-chi dilenggipa Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0-ni ning·o da·o dingtanganirangko nikna ka·dongsoengon, da·o adita salrangni gisepo ong·atna sienggipa Shillong Lok Sabha by-election-an ia party-rangna skanggipa porikka ba dake niani gita ong·gen.
Ia Shillong Lok Sabha by-election-o Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ba candidate-ko susaatna tik ka·angaha aro da·o United Democratic Party (UDP)-ni adita sak MLA-rangba BJP-o napna miksonganirang dongengani gimin ian BJP-na gital dake susaani ong·skanaba dongaha.
BJP-oni koborko on·ani gitade, Shillong Lok Sabha by-election-o susana gita saksku manderang, party tikitna dorgastoko galaha aro ia saksku manderangoniko a·dokni BJP, seoktaienba ma·mongni dilgiparangna watatmanaha.
Shillong Lok Sabha by-election-na candidate-ko seokanio adita somoirangkoba nangkunaba gnang indiba ma·mongni dilgiparang tik ka·manahaon, candidate-ko ta·raken parakatgnok ineba BJP-ni saksa dilgipa aganaha.
2024 bilsini Shillong Lok Sabha election-ode BJP, candidate-ko susaatgija, MDA-o bakrimenggipa NPP-na chakpaaniko on·skaahachim. 2024 bilsini Shillong Lok Sabha election-o NPP, gittamgipa biapkosa man·rikaiaha aro Voice of the People’s Party (VPP)-ni Ricky AJ Syngkon, 55% vote-rangko man·e, Congress dolni gitcham MP Vincent Pala-ko lak 3.71-na batgipa vote-rangchi chena man·aha.
Ia bilsini a·bachengachibara, Shillong-ni MP Ricky AJ Syngkon, siangahani a·sel da·o by-election-ko ong·atna nangengon, ian BJP-nade Shillong-o skanggipa dakgrikani ong·skagnok.
Batanggimin sal somoirango BJP, bilgrikugenchimoba da·o UDP-ni MLA sakchet, BJP-o napangna miksonganirang dongengani gimin aro unbaksa UDP-ni gitcham general secretary Jemino Mawthoh-ba bakan BJP-o napna siengahani gimin da·o BJP, Meghalaya a·doko bilakbatskaani cholrang dongaha.
Ia Shillong Lok Sabha by-election-o NPP-ba Dr DRL Nonglait-ko candidate dake susaatenga aro apsan daken VPP-ba Batskhem Myrboh-ko susaatengani gimin ian namen bilakbee susagrikna sienggipa election ong·enga.
Uasan ong·aigija ia by-election-o Congress dolba an·tangtangni gitcham MP aro MPCC-ni president Vincent Pala-ko susaatpiltaina sienga.

Block Level Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Program 2026-ko ong·atanio, Zikzak Block-ni BDO TK Marak, chatro chatrirangni tarigipa model-rangko nienga.

U'IATTIMGIPAONI — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:24:06 +0000

Zikzak-o Youth Engagement Program-ko ong·ata

U'IATTIMGIPAONI — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:23:47 +0000

AMPATI: Mongolbar salo, ‘Young Meghalaya, Shaping Tomorrow’ ine pangchakaniko donenba, Block Level Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Program 2026-ko Zikzak C&RD Block-ni Multi Facility Centre-o ong·atangaha.
Ia CM Youth Engagement Program-ko South West Garo Hills a·jani District Sports Office ong·ataha aro ia program-o, Zikzak C&RD Block ning·o donggipa dingtang dingtang skulrangoni chatro chatrirang bak ra·e, an·tangtangni changa sapanirangko mesokangaha.
Ia CM Youth Engagement Program-ko ong·atanio, folk dance, science & technology, poetry, story writing, quiz, declamation, painting, flute, guitar, talent show aro uandakgipa dingtang dingtang susaanirangko ong·atangaha.
Ia Block Level CM’s Youth Engagement Program-ko ong·atanio Zikzak Block-ni Block Development Officer TK Marak-ba dongpae bak ra·angaha aro chatro chatrirangni susaanirangko niangaha.

India a·songni Vice President CP Radhakrishnan-ko A·chik me·trarang Wangalachi, Meghalaya a·dokona rimchaksoenga.

U'IATTIMGIPAONI — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:23:36 +0000

Kror 1011-ni project-rangko a·songni Vice President a·bachengate on·anga

U'IATTIMGIPAONI — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:23:17 +0000

SHILLONG: Sombar salo, India a·songni Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, chi, rama jal·lang, an·seng baljokani aro bijolini kamrangna gong kror 1,010.95-ni project-rangko, Shillong songjinmani U Soso Tham Auditorium-o a·bachengate on·angaha.
Ia project-rangoni dal·batgipade, Shillong aro samba jolrango donggipa dam 32 songrangna namgipa ringani chirangko on·na gong kror 850.58 ong·gipa Shillong Water Supply Scheme-ni Phase-II ba gnigipa bak ong·enga.
Gipin project-rangara, Jongksha-Kharang-Dienglieng-Nongjrong-Moodymmai-Wahiajer ramao Umngot chibimako gong kror 21.86-ni metre 110 ong·e bakrogipa dolongko rikani, Ri Bhoi a·jao Umsen-oni Barapathar-ona kror 56.01-ni km 13.50 ong·gipa ramako tariani, Shillong Civil Hospital-o kror 10-ni ge 30 palang donggipa AYUSH facility-ko rikani aro gipinrang ong·a.
Official-rangni u·iatani gitade, ia project-rangna SASHI, Externally Aided Project aro ma·mong sorkarini scheme-rangchi dakchake on·enga.
Ia project-rangko a·bachengate on·anganio a·songni Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, jinmana aganprakangengon, Meghalaya a·dokna gong kror 1000-na batgipa project-rangko a·bachengataha aro ian a·dokni namroro silroroanio dingtanganiko ra·bagnok ine parakangaha.
Rama jal·langrang dongjaode namroro silroroaniba dongjawa ine janapangengon, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-ni ning·o gong kror 47,000-na baten salgro salaram a·dokrango km 46,000-na batgipa rama jal·langrangko tarina koros ka·aha ine Vice President parakataha.
Meghalaya a·doko Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0-ni kamrangko ka·engahani gimin an·tangni kusi ong·aniko parakatengon, ia kamko chu·sokatanichi, diltubatsranggipa songrangonaba namgipa ringani chirangko sokate on·na man·gnok ine Radhakrishnan aganaha.
Homestay Program, CM-Elevate aro Green Meghalaya-ko man·chape a·dok sorkarini a·bachengatgipa dingtang dingtang kamrangkoba Vice President mittelpilangaha.
Tribal jatrangko man·chape a·songni pilak manderangna namroro silroroaniko sokatna nanga ineba ua aganaha.
Meghalaya a·dokni living root bridge ba tanggipa bolni ja·dilrangchi tarigipa jal·langrang baksana Sohra aro Mawsrynram-ni nitogipa biaprangko ripinge rakkina nangani gimin janapangengon, a·dokna namroro silroroaniko ra·baanio jatni daka rikani aro samtangtango ong·telaigiparangnaba maming nangchakeani grisa ra·bana nanga ine Radhakrishnan aganaha.
An·tangni Vice President ong·e, skanggipa changna Meghalaya a·dokona re·baani gimin janapangengon, an·tangko mande ra·bee rimchaksoahani gimin Radhakrishnan, a·dokni manderangko aro a·dok sorkariko mittelpilangenba, Lok Sabha-ni gitcham Speaker PA Sangma sagi baksa an·tangni ru·utbea bilsirangna meligipa ong·ani gimin janapjolangaha.
Ia tom·anio a·dokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma-ba aganprakangengon, 1999-2000 bilsirango Vice President aro uni pagipa Purno A Sangma sagini MP ong·engmiting somoirango ua uni pagipani nokona changgittam ma changbride re·baaha ine parakataha.
Meghalaya a·dokni bilsi 54-na re·mikkangbaanio basakoba tang·doaniko aro basakoba tang·onaniko nikna man·aha ine janapangengon, Meghalaya a·dokni dal·batsranggipa bilara, a·doko songdongenggipa manderang aro uamangni ja·rikbaenggipa dakbewal rikbewalrangan ong·a ine Sangma aganaha.
Batanggimin bilsichetni gisepo, ma·mong sorkarini dakchakachi, Meghalaya a·doksan ong·ja indiba salgro salaram jol gimikan dingtanganiko nikna man·aha ineba Chief Minister aganaha.
Ia tom·bimonganiko ong·atanio, a·dokni Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, sakgipin Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Art & Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahammed, gipin minister-rang, MLA-rang aro gipinrangba dongpae bak ra·angtokaha.

JJM-ni contractual staff-na jabongani dormahako on·china dabia

U'IATTIMGIPAONI — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:23:00 +0000

TURA: Public Health Engineering (PHE) department-ni Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) ning·o contractual staff ba contract-na kamko ka·enggipa manderang, re·anggipa April jaonin dormaharangko man·tokkujaengani gimin ia jabongani dormahako ta·raken on·china sorkario dabiangaha.
JJM-o contract-na kam ka·enggipa manderangni parakatani gitade, uamangna re·anggipa April jaonin dormaharangko on·chipkujaengani gimin adita salrangna skangsan, PHE department-ni Chief Engineer-na sedoatahachim aro una skangba uamang dingtang dingtang official-rangna seanirangchi u·iatahachim.
“Chingni dormaharangko April jaonin on·chipkujaengani gimin chinga changni chang sorkari official-rangna sedoataha indiba da·alonan basako chingni dormaharangko on·gen maming ku·rachake on·anirangko man·kujaenga. Indita jani dormaharangko man·chipkujaengani a·selan kam ka·giparang, an·tangtangni nokdangrangko chalaianio neng·nikanirangko chagrongna nangtokengaha. Iandakgipa neng·nikanirangko chagrongna nangengoba chinga kamtangtangko ka·engkua,” ine JJM-ni contractual staff parakataha.
Jabongani dormaharangko ta·raken on·china dabiangengon, mikkangchi dormaharangko somoi gita on·na ku·rachakaniko on·china gitaba JJM-ni contractual staff, sorkari official-rangko didiataha.
“Kam ka·e cha·enggiparangna dormahako somoi gita on·na nangchongmota maina dormahako somoi gita on·anide sorkarini daitoan ong·a. Chinga an·tangtangni man·na nangkuenggipa dormaharangkosa on·china dabienga aro chingna maiba namgnirangko dake on·china dabienga ong·ja,” ine JJM-o contract-na kam ka·enggiparang parakataha.

Is India’s two-team model future of international cricket?

Agencies — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:13:49 +0000

New Delhi, Sep 8: For much of cricket’s history, representing a country meant being part of a single national team. The opportunity to wear the India shirt was limited to a select group of players, with the national XI representing the best available talent at any given time.
That long-standing model, however, is beginning to change.
India’s ability to field two strong squads simultaneously at different venues is increasingly becoming a defining feature of modern international cricket. While one group takes part in a major bilateral assignment, another collection of established stars and emerging players can represent the country elsewhere, giving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unprecedented flexibility in managing its vast pool of talent.
The development is not simply a matter of having enough players to fill two teams. It reflects the enormous depth that has been created by India’s domestic cricket structure, the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Ranji Trophy and the country’s extensive high-performance system.India now possesses a pool of cricketers large enough for several players who would once have been considered fringe members of the national side to compete at international level without making the team look significantly weakened.

Depth becomes a strategic advantage

The emergence of parallel squads also highlights the changing demands placed on modern international cricketers. The international calendar has become increasingly congested, with Test series, bilateral white-ball assignments, ICC tournaments and franchise competitions occupying much of the year.
For India’s leading players, particularly those involved across multiple formats, the workload can be considerable. Fast bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah require careful management because of the physical demands of their profession, while established multi-format players are routinely required to move between countries, formats and competitions.Rather than expecting the same group of players to participate in every assignment, India has increasingly relied on its depth to distribute the workload.
This approach also provides an opportunity for younger cricketers to gain international experience much earlier in their careers. Players who might otherwise spend years waiting for an opening in the senior side can now be exposed to international conditions while playing alongside experienced campaigners.

A new dimension for emerging cricket markets

India’s decision to deploy strong squads for competitions and tours involving emerging cricket nations also has implications beyond player development.
Cricket continues to search for new audiences, particularly in countries where the sport has traditionally had a limited presence.
Japan, for instance, represents a very different cricketing environment from the traditional strongholds of South Asia, Australia, England and the Caribbean.
Sending recognised Indian players to such markets can generate interest among local supporters while giving developing cricket nations an opportunity to compete against players from one of the sport’s strongest systems. With cricket set to return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028, the expansion of the sport into non-traditional markets has assumed greater importance. India, as the sport’s commercial powerhouse, inevitably has a major role to play in that process.

What does an India cap mean now?

The growing use of parallel teams does, however, raise an interesting question about the value and meaning of an international appearance.
Traditionally, an India cap carried an extraordinary sense of scarcity. Only 11 players could represent the country in a match, and earning that opportunity often required years of performances in domestic cricket.
If India can field two teams at the same time, that exclusivity inevitably becomes less absolute.
A player making his international debut for India in one part of the world while another senior Indian side is competing elsewhere may still experience the same personal significance and pride. Yet, from a broader perspective, the distinction between a traditional first-choice national team and a development-oriented international squad is becoming increasingly difficult to define.
That does not necessarily diminish the achievement of the players involved. Instead, it reflects the changing structure of international cricket.

India’s model may become the new benchmark

The biggest advantage India possesses is one that few other cricket boards can currently replicate: extraordinary financial resources combined with an enormous talent pool.
While several boards struggle to keep their best players available throughout an increasingly crowded calendar, India has the capacity to rotate its leading stars without compromising the quality of its teams.
The result is a model in which international cricket can continue at multiple locations without placing the entire burden on the same group of players.
India’s two-team approach, therefore, is more than a convenient response to scheduling pressures. It is a reflection of how cricket itself is changing.
The old idea of a single, fixed national XI is giving way to a broader system in which international representation can involve a much larger group of players. For India, that transformation is powered by its domestic structure, financial strength and remarkable depth.
For the rest of the cricketing world, it could serve as a glimpse of where the international game is heading — towards a future in which the strongest nations are no longer represented by just one team, but by an entire ecosystem of players capable of carrying the national identity across different formats, competitions and continents. (Agencies)

Japan to field Asian Games squad in one-off T20I vs India

Agencies — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:04:20 +0000

Dubai, Sep 8: Japan’s leading run-scorer Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming will lead his country in the historic one-off T20 International against India on September 22 in Sano with the hosts opting to field the same squad that will play in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb are the other two players with the experience of more than 50 T20Is, stated the International Cricket Council (ICC). To be played under the banner of the Suzuki Cup, it will commemorate the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations.
“As part of their Asian Games preparation, the side have opted not to include players who are eligible to play T20Is under ICC regulations but ineligible under Asian Games rules,” it added.
The 30-year-old Kadowaki-Fleming has appeared in 55 T20Is and scored 1871 runs at a strike rate of 139.41. He has two hundreds and 12 half centuries to his credit.
The Asian Games begin on September 19. The men’s cricket competition will get underway from September 24. Ranked No.1, India are the reigning T20 World Cup champions, while Japan are placed 41st in ICC T20 rankings.
The 15-member Japanese squad also includes wicket-keeper Wataru Miyauchi and leg-spinner Makoto Taniyama, who is inspired by late Australian great Shane Warne. He is Japan’s leading wicket-taker.
Rookie spin-bowling all-rounder Jake Kusuda-Nairn has also been included on the basis of his domestic performances along side medium pacer Tsuyoshi Takada.The match against India is part of an initiative that stems from an agreement during a summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi.
Japan will also play two T20Is against Hong Kong on September 19 and 20.
They face Afghanistan (September 24) and Nepal (September 26) at the Asian Games, needing to finish in the top two to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. (PTI)

Japan’s Squad

Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (c), Charlie Hara-Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Kohei Kubota, Jake Kusuda-Nairn, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Alex Shirai-Patmore (wk), Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Tsuyoshi Takada, Ibrahim Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake.

Shami, Mukesh lead East Zone’s charge, restrict South to 242/6

Agencies — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:55:12 +0000

Duleep Trophy final | DAY 3

Chennai, Sep 8: Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami struck twice in short spells as East Zone tightened their grip on the Duleep Trophy final, reducing South Zone to 242 for six at stumps on Tuesday.
South remain 466 runs behind East’s imposing 708, with captain Tilak Varma unbeaten on 56 and CV Milind yet to score. Shreyas Gopal was dismissed late in the day for 26.
Shami finished with impressive figures of 2-17 from 11 overs, repeatedly troubling the batters with a disciplined stump-to-stump line. He removed Shaik Rasheed for 29 before returning later to dismiss Ravichandran Smaran.
Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 62 but fell to Mukesh Kumar, while Narayan Jagadeesan made 32.
Tilak and Gopal added 66 for the sixth wicket before Shami’s second spell and Gopal’s late dismissal left South in deep trouble.
With only one day remaining, South face a daunting task to save the match, while East are firmly on course for the title.
With South Zone still 466 runs adrift and only four wickets remaining, the final day is likely to be more about survival than victory unless Tilak Varma can produce a remarkable innings. The South captain has already shown considerable resilience, but the task ahead is enormous, with East Zone’s bowlers now firmly on top and the pitch offering increasing assistance as the match progresses. (PTI)