Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Monday, marking the fourth fuel price revision in less than two weeks as global crude oil volatility and geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to influence domestic fuel rates.
The latest increase pushed petrol prices in Delhi beyond the Rs 100 mark. Petrol rose by Rs 2.61 to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel increased by Rs 2.71 to Rs 95.20 per litre.
Other metropolitan cities also recorded price hikes.
In Kolkata, petrol prices increased by Rs 2.87 to Rs 113.51 per litre, while diesel rose by Rs 2.80 to Rs 99.82 per litre.
Mumbai saw petrol prices rise by Rs 2.72 to Rs 111.21 per litre. Diesel prices there climbed by Rs 2.81 to Rs 97.83 per litre.
In Chennai, petrol increased by Rs 2.46 to Rs 107.77 per litre, while diesel rose by Rs 2.57 to Rs 99.55 per litre.
The latest revision follows three previous increases within days.
On May 15, petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre each. Another increase followed on May 19, when both fuels became costlier by 90 paise per litre. On May 23, petrol prices rose by 87 paise per litre and diesel by 91 paise per litre.
Monday’s revision marks the fourth fuel price increase in less than two weeks.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said the current circumstances had made some increase unavoidable.
“Just recall what has been going on for the past 3-4 years. In some countries, petrol and diesel are simply unavailable. However, the Prime Minister provided relief to the people… But today, the situation has reached this critical point, some price hike became inevitable; consequently, only a minimum increase has been implemented. The situation is beyond our control; the supply of petrol, gas, and diesel is not in our hands. Therefore, we are compelled to proceed in alignment with global trends,” he said.
BJP leader Vivek Thakur also linked the rise in fuel prices to international developments.
“There is international pressure; whatever the situation is, you can see it. Around 83 ships are stuck there, so there is a state of pressure across the entire world, and it is hoped that this too will be resolved soon,” he said.
BJP leader and actor R Sarathkumar said shipping disruptions and crude oil movement issues were contributing to higher fuel costs.
“The increase has become difficult to avoid due to global circumstances. Factors such as disruptions in shipping and rising crude oil prices have contributed to fuel price increases, and several countries are discussing ways to address the situation. Only with a ceasefire and restoration of global economic balance could conditions improve over the next several months. Such fluctuations are part of normal economic developments,” he said.
© instagram.com/r_sarath_kumarCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices have also moved upward.
Delhi recorded a Rs 1 per kg increase earlier this week, the third CNG hike within 10 days. CNG prices in the national capital now stand at Rs 81.09 per kg, adding to transportation and commuting expenses.
The continued rise in petrol, diesel and CNG prices is expected to increase operational costs for transport operators and place additional pressure on household budgets amid ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets.
Leave a Reply