The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) increased on Friday prices of petroleum products by Rs1.63 to Rs4.08 per litre, or up to seven per cent, with immediate effect to pass on the impact of rise in international market prices to consumers. According to a notification, the prices of petrol have been increased by Rs1.94 per litre to Rs75.08 from Rs73.14 per litre, up by three per cent, and that of High Octane Blending Component (HOBC) to Rs89.19 from Rs87.56 per litre, up by Rs1.63 or two per cent. Likewise, the ex-depot sale price of kerosene oil has been jacked up to Rs68.89 from Rs64.81 per litre, up by about six per cent or Rs4.08 per litre, and that of light diesel to Rs65.76 from Rs62.20 per litre, an increase of Rs3.56 per litre or six per cent. The oil marketing companies have been asked to increase the high speed diesel price to Rs76.80 from Rs73.35 per litre, by Rs3.41 per litre or five per cent. Earlier, most cities across the country witnessed fuel shortages as petrol pump owners have created an artificial shortage of the commodity for windfall profits after reports spread that petroleum prices are going up.Even before an official notification was issued regarding an increase in petroleum prices, petrol stations across the city suspended supply to consumers, creating difficulties for several motorists.Long queues of motorists were witnessed at the citys petrol pumps, but were disappointed when they were turned back empty handed. Reportedly, motorists even argued with the pump management at some stations. Petrol pumps managements suspended oil supply and had displayed notices regarding temporary suspension of petrol. Some pumps were selling petrol at exorbitant rates. Some motorists said the government was making peoples lives difficult by revising oil prices every fortnight. According to the reports, POL prices will be increased from Rs 5 to Rs 7.
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