Pune: Fuel prices are on the hike from the past few days around the country as global oil rates continue to strengthen. Oil marketing companies have hiked petrol price by 22-25 paise, while diesel prices in the country have increased too.

A litre of petrol in Pune now costs Rs 90.99 per litre while diesel is available at Rs 80.06 per litre. The CNG has also gone up and now is available at Rs 55.50 per kg. Fuel prices around the country are likely to rise if global crude oil prices strengthen further. However, the main cause of higher fuel prices in the country is the high rate of taxes. The subsequent reason is because of the price of crude oil reaching close to 60 dollars per barrel in the international market.

Petrol Dealers' Association spokesperson Ali Daruwala said, “The All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) has requested the state government to decrease the Drought Cess which was imposed two years back by the then BJP-Shiv Sena government for relief work. This will give immediate relief to common citizens who had witnessed rs 93 per liter petrol in pune in 2013, when crude was close to 150 dollars per barallel in international market during UPA regime."

“Multiple news outlets reported that the fuel prices may come down because of the reduction in excise duty by the Centre. However, the cabinet has not decided to reduce the on the excise. But reliable sources have confirmed that the central government is working to give relief to the people as far as prices of petrol and diesel are concerned”, he added.

While retail inflation played a recovery in December last year, there are chances that raised fuel prices may lead to another spike in coming days.