AFTER several rounds of deliberations on raising auto fuel prices, the government finally decided to bite the bullet. Despite the Left's opposition it has raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2/litre and Re 1/litre, respectively, from February 15. The current price of petrol in Delhi is Rs 45.52/litre (from the earlier price of Rs 43.52/litre) and diesel is Rs 31.76/litre (from Rs 30.48/litre).

Starting today, the price of petrol will be dearer by Nu 1.87 and diesel by Nu 1.05, the first hike of the year. With the increased rate revised by Trade Department, the overall price of petrol rose to Nu 42.82 and diesel to Nu 31.77 in the capital. The price of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene remains the same. According to trade officials, the rise was caused by the increase in the dealers' commission in India, due to an increase in the price of crude oil in the international oil market. Global crude prices at present have reached almost Nu 5,000 a barrel. Petrol and diesel prices last fluctuated in February 16 last year. As per trade records, the price of petrol and diesel last year was reduced by Nu 1.77 and 0.9 respectively, when crude oil cost around Nu 4,250 a barrel. In June 2006, the price of petrol increased by Nu 3.58 and diesel by Nu 1.91. Every year, Bhutan Oil Distributors and Druk Petroleum Corporation Limited import a minimum of 60,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products, including kerosene and liquid petroleum gas.

The weeklong Auto Expo, which concluded in Delhi on January 17, showed contrasting trends

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