Petrol, diesel price today touches new heights, Congress calls it Centre's 'fuel loot'

Petrol and diesel prices in the country touched their highest levels on Friday mainly due to dramatic fall in rupee and a sharp rise in crude oil rates. Petrol price in the national capital shot to as high as Rs 79.99 per litre, while the diesel is being sold at Rs 72.07 per litre today. Meanwhile, people in Mumbai are purchasing petrol at Rs 87.39 per litre and while diesel is being sold at Rs 76.51 per litre.

Also, the prices of petrol increased by 47 paise and diesel by 52 paise today in Kolkata.

Meanwhile, calling the steep rise in diesel and petrol prices as 'fuel loot,' the Congress on Thursday called for a 'Bharat bandh' on September 10, saying it was in touch with other parties for their support.

The party again demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under Goods and Services Tax (GST). The government had earlier rejected the demand saying most states were opposed to it.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said at a press conference in the Capital, "The mismanagement of the economy has led to high prices. When fuel prices were rising during the UPA regime, taxes were reduced to take the burden off the people. But due to the mismanagement by the current government, the prices of petrol, diesel and gas cylinders have gone up steeply."

Later his party colleague Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "fuel loot" has resulted in the Modi government profiting Rs 11 lakh crore.