DCM wants Centre to intervene over sharp price rise

MUMBAI: In the wake of the rising prices of fuel and other commodities, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said the Centre should intervene at the earliest to give relief to citizens who are facing hardships.

The prices of branded or additive-laced petrol, which attracts higher taxes, have crossed the Rs 100-mark in some places, including Maharashtra.

Af ter Thursday's price rise, petrol in Mumbai costs Rs 96.32 a litre and diesel Rs 87.32.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday blamed output cut by oil-producing nations for the rally in international oil prices that have translated into higher retail rates in India.

Talking to reporters here, Pawar, who is also Maharashtra's finance minister, said prices are going up.