The state-run oil marketing companies on Tuesday raised key transport fuel prices for the 13th time in the last 15 days. Consequently, in the past 15 days, petrol prices have increased by Rs 9.40 per litre in the national capital. These prices were revised for the very first time on March 22 after a gap of more than four months. On Monday, the price of petrol and diesel in New Delhi were increased by 80 paise per litre. As per pump prices, petrol now costs Rs 104.61 per litre and diesel Rs 95.87 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, prices were hiked to Rs 119.67 per litre for petrol and diesel to Rs 103.92 per litre. Besides, the prices of both the transport fuels were raised in Kolkata. The petrol prices rose to Rs 114.28 and diesel to Rs 99.02 per litre. In Chennai too, they were increased. Petrol there now costs Rs 110.09 and diesel Rs 100.18 per litre.
Till last Tuesday, fuel prices were steady since November 2021 when the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 5 and Rs 10 per litre, respectively. The OMCs revise the transportation fuel cost based on various factors such as rupee to US dollar exchange rate, cost of crude oil and demand of fuel amongst others. Resultantly, the final price includes excise duty, value added tax and dealer's commission. It was widely expected that the OMCs will revise the current prices due to high crude oil cost. Lately, crude oil prices have been volatile on fears of tight supplies due to sanctions against Russia. The crude oil price range is a cause of concern for India as it may ultimately add Rs 10-15 in petrol and diesel selling prices. At present, India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements.