MUMBAI:
Petrol price in Mumbai touched Rs 80 on Friday while the rate of diesel was Rs 70.55 a litre. The price had been hovering between Rs 75 and Rs 77 for four to five months before touching the Rs 80-mark. Sources in the oil marketing companies indicate that there could be further rise in prices of
petrol and diesel in Mumbai and other districts across Maharashtra.
Recently, the petrol price had crossed the Rs 80-mark in 15 districts across state while diesel went over Rs 70 in 12 districts.
Officials said that the price rise was not just due to fluctuations in international crude oil prices, but also due to value of rupee vis-a-vis the dollar. The increase will cause a pinch in the pockets of motorists in the city. The price of petrol in Thane and Navi Mumbai also crossed the Rs 80-mark and is selling at Rs 80.12 per litre whle rate of diesel is Rs 70.67 per litre. Parbhani has the highest petrol rate in the state and also in the country, and is retailing at around Rs 82 per litre. Those from the transport sector hope that the government reduces excise duties, so as to enable rates to become more cheaper in the coming day.