Petrol may see a spike

The petrol price is expected to rise by approximately Rs4 per litre, while the diesel rate is likely to decrease slightly on Friday for the upcoming fortnight starting March 1 due to fluctuations in the international market and exchange rates. Informed sources said the ex-depot petrol price was estimated to go up by Rs4 to 4.50 per litre depending on the final calculation on Feb 28, while high-speed diesel (HSD) and kerosene may drop by less than a rupee per litre. The estimates for higher petrol prices stem from a slight increase in international rates and exchange rate loss against the dollar. The benchmark Brent prices have generally remained stable during the last ten days. The ex-depot petrol price currently stands at Rs256.13 per litre, while that of HSD is Rs263.95 per litre. Kerosene’s official rate is Rs171.65 per litre, but it is sold at Rs300-350 per litre.