Petrol prices breach Rs 100/lt mark in Pkl; Chd on the brink

Mohali/Chandigarh/Panchkula: For the second time in five days, petrol and diesel prices have been increased in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. The latest revision has pushed fuel prices higher by 85 paise to Rs 1 per litre across various cities. On May 15, petrol and diesel prices had increased sharply by Rs 3 per litre each. With the fresh hike, fuel prices have risen cumulatively by up to Rs 4 per litre in just five days.In Chandigarh, the price of petrol has increased from Rs 97.2 to Rs 98.1 per litre, registering a hike of 85 paise. Diesel prices have risen from Rs 85.2 to Rs 86.09 per litre, an increase of 89 paise.The manager of the CITCO petrol pump in Sector 17, Chandigarh, said CNG prices have also been increased from Rs 94.2 to Rs 96 per kg.In Mohali, petrol prices have gone up from Rs 101.4 to Rs 102.3 per litre, reflecting an increase of 90 paise. Diesel rates have risen from Rs 91.2 to Rs 92.1 per litre, marking a hike of 90 paise.In Panchkula, petrol prices breached the Rs 100 per litre mark for the first time, increasing from Rs 99.2 to Rs 100.1 per litre. Diesel rates have risen from Rs 91.7 to Rs 92.6 per litre, marking a hike of 90 paise.Experts believe the repeated increase in diesel prices is likely to significantly impact the agricultural sector ahead of the paddy season. According to estimates, farmers in Punjab may have to bear an additional burden of nearly Rs 756 crore during the upcoming cultivation season, as paddy farming typically consumes around 90 litres of diesel per acre for agricultural operations.Meanwhile, the increase in CNG prices by Rs 1.7per kg has also added to the financial burden on vehicle owners who had shifted to gas-powered vehicles to reduce fuel expenses.