Diesel prices hiked by 50 paise per litre

The deregulation of diesel prices has begun. Today, diesel prices were hiked by 50 paise per litre. However, what can be considered a silver lining is that petrol prices will not be hiked this fortnight. This price increase, the 11th since January, excludes local sales tax and VAT and will be applicable from midnight.

We had reported last week only that the Government of India had announced that there will be a deregulation of diesel prices in the next six months. As a result of this price hike, diesel prices in the capital have changed to Rs53.67 per litre after tax and in Mumbai, the rate will be Rs 60.70 a litre instead of the current Rs 60.08 per litre.

Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer, said the 50 paise per litre increase in diesel rates was "pursuant to Government of India order dated January 17, 2013, whereby oil marketing companies have been authorised to increase the retail selling price of diesel within a small range every month until further orders." Accordingly, since then, retail diesel prices are being revised every month.

The loss on diesel has been widening since.