AGARTALA, June 12 (TIWN): Rajesh Mandal, a consumer at Durga Bari petrol pump told TIWN that he might sell off his bike as it is turning quite a matter of concern due to the losses he is facing in riding his bike to go for work. Today for the first time, petrol prices have hit Century in Agartala, erupting heavy public resentment. The offended persons expressed extreme frustrations due to such hikes. Diesel price is also not lagging much behind as it is Rs. 90.69 today. Moreover, there is no idea when the price may get down or where the price hike will stop as everyday fuel prices are increasing. Due to  heavy taxation on fuel, the price is going up amid international prices. Central taxes on petrol have doubled in the last seven years, while on diesel they increased almost eight fold. Yesterday, Tripura Congress had staged a massive protest in Agartala against fuel price hikes. The party demanded that State Govt should immediately reduce some taxes on fuel.

Rates across major states  

Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes like VAT and freight charges. Following the latest increase, price of petrol rose by 27 paise per litre and that of diesel jumped by 23 paise per litre to touch Rs 96.12 and Rs 86.98 per litre, respectively in Delhi.

In Mumbai, where petrol prices crossed Rs 100-mark for the first time ever on May 29, the fuel price reached new high of Rs 102.36 per litre on Saturday. Diesel prices also increased in the city to reach Rs 94.45 a litre, the highest among metros.

Central taxes on petrol have doubled in the last seven years, while on diesel they increased almost eight fold.

Rajasthan levies the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.