Oil price tops $87/bbl but petrol, diesel prices stay unchanged
   Date :19-Jan-2022

Oil
 
 
NEW DELHI :
 
INTERNATIONAL oil prices jumped to the highest level since 2014, topping USD 87 a barrel but domestic petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for the 74th day in a row - a freeze that may be linked to ensuing Assembly elections in States like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Brent - the key global oil benchmark - soared to USD 87.7 per barrel mostly due to rising geopolitical tensions and supply-side disturbances due to Yemen’s Houthi group’s attack on oil facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Also, global inventories are waning.
 
The attack, some analysts believe, may lead to more hostile behaviour between the two power centres in the Middle East - Iran and Saudi Arabia. But domestic fuel prices - which are directly linked to international oil prices - have not been revised for over two months now. Petrol costs Rs 95.41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at Rs 86.67. This price is after accounting for the Excise Duty cut and a reduction in VAT rate by the State Government.