Fuel prices continued to increase for the 12th straight day on Friday, with petrol and diesel prices going up by 32 and 18 paise, respectively.
According to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), petrol on Friday was being sold at Rs 77.83 per litre in Delhi, Rs 85.65 in Mumbai , Rs 80.47 in Kolkata, and Rs 80.80 in Chennai , whereas diesel was being sold at Rs 68.75 in Delhi, Rs 73.2 in Mumbai, Rs 72.58 in Chennai and Rs 71.30 in Kolkata.
Domestic fuel prices are increasing as crude oil price in the international market is continuously rallying upwards. Additionally, the rupee is weakening against the US dollar, which has affected the rupee-dollar exchange rate, thus putting further burden on the prices in the country.
Opposition parties are criticising the Centre for the hike, which has been unabated 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.”
{{/usCountry}}“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.”
{{/usCountry}}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.