Within a fortnight of a Rs. 1.82 a litre hike effected by oil marketing companies, the petrol price stands slashed by a higher margin of Rs. 2.22 from Tuesday midnight.

The reduction in the price, for the first time in almost three years, is expected to ease the pressure on the government ahead of the Parliament's winter session that begins on November 22.

The hike drew flak from the Opposition and UPA allies alike for casting an additional burden on the common man at a time when inflation remained perilously close to double digits.

With this roll-back, petrol will be cheaper at Rs. 66.42 a litre in Delhi, against Rs. 68.64 hitherto. In Mumbai, it will be Rs. 2.34 less at Rs. 71.47.

In Kolkata, it will stand reduced by Rs. 2.31 at Rs. 70.84. In Chennai, it will be lower by Rs. 2.35 at Rs. 70.38.