Petrol, diesel rates today: A day after the Bharat Bandh called for by the Congress Party, fuel prices have been hiked yet again on Tuesday. With petrol rates touching heights in the national capital, the fuel is being sold at the rate of Rs 80.87 per litre (increased by Rs 0.14/litre). While the cost of diesel in the Delhi rose to Rs 72.97 per litre as against Rs 72.83 per litre at which it was being sold on Monday. Fuel prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals due to lower taxes.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the price of petrol has been hiked to Rs 88.26 per litre, and diesel to Rs 77.47 per litre, following an increase of 14 paise and 15 paise, respectively.

The new high came after the day when opposition parties led by the Congress called for a nation-wide 'Bharat Bandh' to protest against the spiralling fuel prices. They blame the government's unwillingness to cut excise duty for high fuel prices and consumer burden.

However, defending the rise in oil prices, BJP on Monday attributed the hike to global factors, and accused the Congress and other opposition parties of resorting to violence during the protest as people did not support their call.

BJP fielded Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to counter the opposition offensive who acknowledged that the people were facing "momentary difficulty" due to increasing petrol and diesel prices and said they understand that this was due to factors beyond the control of the central government.