KOLKATA: In the last seven days, petrol and diesel prices have risen six times. Petrol became dearer by Rs 4.18 per litre and diesel by Rs 4.12 a litre in Kolkata, causing distress to household budgets. In fact, compared to earlier waves of rises, this time the jump is higher. Jumps in September-October-November were of 17p to 22p a litre a day, which are now 32p to 84p a litre a day.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) revise rates of petrol and diesel at regular intervals based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days, and foreign exchange rates. International oil prices soared in recent days. Fuel prices differ from state to state, depending on the incidence of local taxes, like VAT and freight charges.
