Experts predict Rs 15 per litre hike for petrol & diesel prices

Petrol and diesel prices are likely to be hiked this week as oil companies prepare to pare losses accumulated from keeping rates steady for over four months in the run-up to assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, despite international oil prices jumping to a 13-year high of $140 per barrel.

Fuel prices need to be increased by Rs 15 a litre for fuel retailers to break even, industry sources said.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures, the US oil benchmark, rose to $130.50 per barrel on Sunday evening, its highest since July 2008, before retreating. The international benchmark, Brent crude, hit a high of $139.13 at one point overnight, also its highest since July 2008.