Fuel Prices Hiked Again, 13th Rise In 15 Days
Petrol and diesel prices shot up by 80 paise each on Tuesday with the thirteenth revision in prices in fifteen days. The total increase in fuel rates now stands at Rs 9.20 per litre.
In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 104.61 per litre and diesel costs Rs 95.87, while in Mumbai, petrol prices rose to Rs 119.67 per litre with an increase of 84 paise and diesel prices stood at Rs 103.92 per litre with an increase of 85 paise.
Meanwhile, in Guwahati, price of petrol rose by 89 paise per litre, while diesel prices rose by 85 paise. With this the price of petrol in the city stood at Rs 104.77 and diesel prices stood at Rs 90.56 per litre.
Moreover, the price of CNG was also increased by Rs 2.5 per kg on Monday. With this, the new price of CNG in the national capital stood at Rs 64.11 per kg, reported ANI.
The hike in fuel prices has created a political uproar with the opposition staging protests and demanding a decrease in fuel prices.
Following repeated disruptions over rising prices of petroleum products and essential commodities with the opposition protesting the issue as their demand to hold a discussion on the matter rejected, the Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned on Monday for the day.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) member Tiruchi Siva asked “why the notices given by us under Rule 267 to the Secretary-General to suspend all business of the House and conduct a discussion on hiking oil prices and many other notices were rejected.”
Notably, hike in fuel prices was paused since November 4, last year which ended on March 22. Crude oil prices shot up around the world with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
In addition, the prices of fuel are expected to rise further with a sharp increase in crude oil prices in the international markets. It is also expected to have a knock-on effect on prices of other items and lead to inflationary pressure and hurt growth.
The Congress is holding a nationwide protest ‘Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ against rise in prices under which rallies and marches are being organised throughout the country from March 31 to April 7.
On November 3 last year, with fuel prices reaching new highs, the Centre had cut excise duty by Rs 5 per litre on petrol and Rs 10 per litre on diesel to bring down the retail prices across the country.
In a relief to the common people, several state governments had also reduced Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel, in line with the Centre’s decision.
