Petroleum prices may see another fortnightly rise

High-speed diesel (HSD), petrol and kerosene are estimated to increase by up to Rs6 per litre on Friday for the next fortnight owing to higher international prices. Informed sources said the ex-depot petrol price was estimated to go up by Rs2-3 per litre depending on the final calculation on Jan 31. Kerosene and diesel prices are estimated to rise by about Rs6 per litre. The estimates are based on the bullish trend in the international market. The Brent prices have risen by up to $2 per barrel last fortnight. These sources said the average prices of HSD increased by more than $2.50 per barrel in the international market while that of petrol inched up by about 50 cents per barrel last fortnight. The ex-refinery cost of kerosene also went up. Import premium on petrol increased by around 40 cents to $8.84 per barrel while it remained unchanged on diesel. The exchange rate also generally remained stable.