In parts of T.N., diesel prices cross ₹100 per litre mark

Fossil fuels seeing upward trend over the past few months

Diesel prices crossed ₹100 per litre in several parts of the State on Sunday. Places including Cuddalore (₹100.91/litre), Chidambaram (₹101.19/litre), Nagapattinam (₹100.35/litre) and Mayiladuthurai (₹100.26/litre) saw prices cross the ₹100/litre mark, a historic high for the fuel, which is used mostly by truckers, industries in generators, and many cab operators.

Petrol prices in all these locations are a little over ₹105/litre. Fossil fuels have been seeing an upward trend over the past few months and on Sunday, diesel increased by 33 paise per litre and petrol went up by 31 paise/litre.

S. Jude Mathew, Independent Rental Vehicle Owners Association, said as most cars give a mileage of 10 km-12 km per lire and at ₹100/litre, they wont be able to earn much. “Cars that used to get 8-10 trips a day are getting just 4 -5 trips daily, which is just about enough to keep the business alive. Since temples had remained closed over the weekends, outstation business too had been hit. The only way out seems to be a reduction in diesel prices by the Central government,” he said.