Petrol, diesel price hike Highlights: Fuel prices in the domestic market are on the rise as the price of crude oil in global markets went up. (PTI photo)
Continuing its upward trend on the 13th consecutive day since dynamic pricing system was resumed on May 14, petrol price on Saturday increased by 0.18 per cent (14 paise) to Rs 77.97 per litre against Fridays Rs 77.83 per litre in New Delhi and by 0.15 per cent (13 paise) Rs 85.78 per litre against Friday’s Rs 85.65 per litre in Mumbai. Similarly, diesel also costs Rs 68.9 per litre — 15 paise up from yesterday’s Rs 68.75 per litre in the national Capital. It saw a hike of 16 paise to Rs 73.36 per litre in Mumbai.
Petrol prices across the four metros have been increased by over Rs 3 per litre in the past 13 days, leading to a political slugfest. Fuel prices in the domestic market are on the rise as the price of crude oil in global markets went up.
Fuel price hike LIVE: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday “challenged” Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce the price rise, warning of “nationwide agitation” unless done so. PM Modi had recently tweeted that he accepts a “fitness challenge” by cricketer Virat Kohli, who had challenged him. The challenge was first launched by Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
Noting that petrol and diesel prices are defined by international crude oil rates, the chief minister said the GST Council will also have to look into aspects like revenue losses before taking a decision.
Fadnavis’ comment came amidst rising prices of petrol and diesel over which the opposition has been targeting the Narendra Modi government. Talks are going on with finance ministers of all states, Fadnavis said, adding, “Once petrol and diesel are brought under the ambit of GST, its threshold will change, because right now, taxes upon taxes are levied which increases rates. GST will ensure a single tax.”
Fadnavis said, “A task force is already working on reducing the fuel prices. If it (petrol and diesel) can be brought under GST, rates will come down,” he told reporters here. He said Maharashtra has already given its consent for bringing petrol and diesel under the purview of GST which was rolled out on July 1 last year but “other states have not given their consent yet.”
Amid a nationwide outrage over rising fuel prices, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday pitched for bringing petrol and diesel under the purview of GST, saying it would ensure reduction of rates.
"When crude oil prices in the international market was quite high, the price of petrol in the country was Rs 65-68 per liter during the UPA government's rule. But now crude oil prices have remained comparatively low yet prices skyrocketed in the NDA dispensation," Pande said. He urged the government to reduce taxes to bring down the fuel prices.
Avinash Pande, AICC general-secretary in-charge of Rajasthan, said the increasing fuel prices have badly hit the common man but the government is doing nothing to address the issue.
Pilot said state governments can provide relief by cutting the Value Added Tax (VAT) and cess levied on fuel prices. He said people annoyed with the increasing fuel prices will give a befitting reply to the government in upcoming polls.
"Someone is doing push-ups and someone is showing fitness (in other ways) but fuel prices are rising," Congress leader Sachin Pilot told reporters in Jaipur. His comments came after Union ministers Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Kiren Rijiju posted videos on social media as part of a 'fitness challenge', which has also been accepted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.
The Congress said today that the government should rollback the increase in fuel prices instead of "showing fitness", apparently referring to Union ministers and BJP leaders posting videos of their workouts on social media.
Hitting out at the Modi government, BSP Chief Mayawati has said, "This government has failed on all fronts. PM Narendra Modi terms everything he does as historic, I think that is why fuel prices are at a historic high during his government. "
Welcome to our Live blog. Petrol prices across the four metros have been increased by over Rs 3 per litre in the past 13 days. It is Rs Rs 77.97 per litre in New Delhi and Rs 85.78 per litre in Mumbai today. The diesel price is also Rs 68.9 per litre in New Delhi and Rs 73.36 per litre in Mumbai, today. Follow to get the latest updates.