Mumbai, Sep 25: Price of petrol is likely to cross Rs 100 mark in Maharashtra by this Diwali, touching all-time highest fuel rates in the country, said a report quoting oil industry experts. Petrol is being sold for over Rs 90 in more than 30 cities across the state. Petrol cost Rs 91.89 per litre in Parbhani district of the state, the highest in the country on Tuesday.

Experts in the oil industry speculate that prices of petrol could hit a 'century' (Rs 100 mark) well before Diwali, reported Times of India. On Monday, petrol crossed Rs 90-mark for the first time in Mumbai, following an increase of 11 paise in rates. Mumbai has the highest sales tax or VAT. Besides Mumbai, petrol prices were at an all-time high in several parts of the country.

Price of petrol broke the May 29 record high of Rs 86.24 in Mumbai on September 2. Since then, there has been a rise in rates almost daily. Price of petrol has increased by 13 per cent while diesel has gone up by nearly 19 per cent in less than seven months in the financial capital of the country. Since mid-August, the petrol price has risen by Rs 5.58 a litre and diesel by Rs 5.3 across the country. Petrol, Diesel Price Rise Effect: Daily Use Products, Smartphones to Cost 5-8 Per Cent More as Fuel Rate Soars.

Delhi has the cheapest fuel rates among all metros and most state capitals because of lower taxes. Retail prices are arrived at after adding excise duty, which is charged by the Central government, commission paid to petrol pumps dealers and VAT, charged by the state governments. The central government has ruled out any reduction in excise duty for now.

While state governments in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reduced taxes on fuel, the Maharashtra government is yet to take any such initiative. High crude oil prices and decline in value of rupee against US dollar are being held responsible by the government for constant rise in fuel prices.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2018 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).