Jaipur, May 23 (IANS) Saturday morning brought fresh concerns for consumers in Rajasthan as oil companies once again increased petrol and diesel prices for the third time in the last few days amid continued volatility in international crude oil markets.

According to officials, petrol prices in Jaipur have climbed to Rs 109.87 per litre, while diesel prices have reached Rs 95.09 per litre following the latest hike.

Over the past nine days, petrol prices have risen by Rs 5.12 per litre and diesel by Rs 4.84 per litre, adding to inflationary pressure and increasing transportation and household costs. Those heading to fuel stations or markets on Saturday may need to brace for higher expenses.

While the new petrol price is Rs 109.87 per litre in Jaipur, which is an increase of Rs 5.12 per litre, the latest diesel price here is Rs 95.09 per litre, which comes with an increase of Rs 4.84 per litre.

Petrol prices have witnessed a fresh hike across several districts of Rajasthan. Kota recorded a 93-paise hike, with rates moving up from Rs 108.45 to Rs 109.38 per litre. Similar increases were reported in Sikar, where petrol climbed from Rs 109.84 to Rs 110.77, and Udaipur, where prices rose from Rs 109.73 to Rs 110.66 per litre. Ajmer and Jodhpur also saw a 93-paise increase, taking petrol prices to Rs 109.48 and Rs 109.66 per litre, respectively.

Meanwhile, the highest petrol prices were recorded in Sawai Madhopur and Barmer, where rates crossed Rs 111 per litre after hikes of 94 paise, reaching Rs 111.34 and Rs 111.31 per litre respectively. In Bhilwara, petrol prices increased by 93 paise, touching Rs 110.16 per litre.

The widespread rise in fuel rates across Rajasthan is expected to further impact transportation costs and household budgets. The impact is not limited to Rajasthan. Fuel prices have increased in major metropolitan cities as well, reflecting the broader trend of rising retail selling prices nationwide.

Market analysts and local trade bodies attribute the current inflationary trend to a combination of international and domestic factors – the first is Gulf Tensions, which created uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Then there is growing biodiesel demand. Several countries are increasingly using edible oils for biodiesel production, reducing availability for food consumption and adding pressure on prices. The depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has further made imports of crude oil and edible oils more expensive, adding to domestic price pressures.

The increase in fuel prices is now expected to affect household budgets and food markets as well.

According to traders at the Lalsot Agricultural Produce Market (Mandi), mustard prices have risen sharply by nearly Rs 600–Rs 700 per quintal in the last 10 days, increasing pressure on edible oil and grocery prices.

Trade representatives, including Grain Merchants Association President Satyanarayan Sonkhiya, former president Naval Kishore Jhalani, and trader Suresh Chaudhary, said diesel prices directly influence freight and logistics costs.

According to traders, once diesel prices cross the Rs 95-per-litre mark, transport operators typically revise freight charges upward. This could impact vegetables, fruits, pulses and grocery supplies reaching Jaipur’s Muhana Mandi, potentially pushing prices of essential commodities higher within the next few days.

–IANS

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