On Sunday, the petrol price touched a new high with petrol being sold at Rs. 80.50 per litre and diesel at Rs 72.61 in the national capital. The cost of petrol and diesel in Mumbai were Rs.87.89 per litre and Rs 77.09 per litre respectively.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Oil Minister on Saturday said that international rates are to be blamed for the hike and it’s not under the Centre’s control.
‘Today Indian currency is stronger as ever, in comparison to all other currencies. But how do we purchase oil? Through Dollars. Today Dollar is, in a way, world’s biggest exchange currency. That is creating problem for us,’ He said.
The Congress party, backed by other opposition parties has called for a Bharat Bandh on Monday to protest against the fuel price hike.
Protesting against the same, the Shiv Sena has put out posters, mocking BJP on ‘Achche din’.
Protesting against fuel price hike, posters put up by Shiv Sena in Mumbai. (8.9.18) pic.twitter.com/8AxTJYelRo
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018
Meanwhile, Pradhan has given no indication on cutting taxes. The Centre currently levies a total excise duty of Rs 19.48 per litre of petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel.