Consumers feel the pinch of higher oil prices

The fuel price hike would certainly pinch the pockets of consumers, but may not leave a lasting impact on the nation's economic recovery, according to analysts and experts.

But for many like the 24-year-old fashion writer He Yi, it is time to tighten their purse strings. Gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices went up by as much as 11 percent from yesterday, the third increase this year and second in June, to reflect recent price changes in the global oil market.

He should consider herself lucky, as she was one of the few who gassed up her car just before the price hike. She can also take cheer from the fact that her vehicle is a Japanese model, known for its lower fuel consumption. But she is still determined to use less air-conditioning when driving, despite the scorching heat in Beijing.