NEW DELHI Fuel prices continued to increase for the 12th straight day today, with petrol and diesel prices hiked by 32 and 18 paise, respectively.
As per the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), revised petrol prices in metropolitan cities are Delhi Rs 77.83 per litre; Mumbai 85.65; Kolkata 80.47 and Chennai 80.80; whereas diesel prices are: Delhi 68.75; Mumbai 73.2; Chennai 72.58; Kolkata 71.30.
The prices came into effect at 6 am today.
The domestic fuel prices are increasing as the crude oil price in the international market is continuously rallying upwards. In addition to it, the rupee is weakening against the US dollar, which has affected the rupee-dollar exchange rate, thus putting further burden on the prices here.
The opposition parties are lampooning the Centre for the hike, which has remained unstoppable since the conclusion of the Karnataka Assembly polls.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday after he accepted an online fitness challenge posed by Indian Cricket captain Virat Kohli.
Taking to Twitter, Rahul urged Prime Minister Modi to take up the ‘fuel challenge’ to reduce the skyrocketing fuel prices.
“Dear PM, Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. I look forward to your response.”
However, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said the Centre would soon take quick measures to give some relief to the common people from the rising fuel prices.(Agencies)
Gadkari advocates bringing fuel under GST
With petrol and diesel rates skyrocketing on a daily basis, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday advocated bringing fuel under the GST to curb the price hike.
“Petrol and diesel should have been brought under the Goods and Services Tax. I asked officials during a presentation if we bring fuel prices under GST will it benefit the states or not.
“They said ‘yes’, they will benefit,” Gadkari said at a news conclave here on the four years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
He said, however, the states were wary of losing revenue on account of taxes they collect from fuel prices and liquor.
“It will be good if fuel prices are brought under GST. This will not only reduce the fuel prices but will also increase the government’s revenue.”
He, however, said it was his personal opinion, and the ultimate decision regarding this remained with the Petroleum Ministry.
The Minister said fuel prices were surging because of international crude oil rate.
“Earlier, we were giving subsidy on the import (of fuels). When the rates came down, the subsidy was removed. We are part of a global economy…The price of petrol and diesel are increasing due to rise of their price in international rates.”
He said the money that was saved from removing subsidy on fuel allowed the government to give free Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to eight crore families across India.(Agencies)
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