Petrol prices have also risen on 28 of the previous 51 days taking up its pump price by Rs 8.85 per litre.

Since January 1, 2021, petrol and diesel prices have risen by more than Rs 26 a litre before the duty cuts.

The excise duty cut by the Centre on November 3 was the first such exercise since the onset of Covid pandemic. In fact, the government had revised excise duty on petrol and diesel sharply in March and again in May last year to mobilise additional resources for Covid relief measures.

The excise duty was raised by Rs 13 and Rs 16 per litre on petrol and diesel between March 2020 and May 2020 and was standing high at Rs 31.8 on diesel and Rs 32.9 per litre on petrol before finally the Centre decided on duty cut.

Before the price cuts and pause, diesel prices had spiked on 30 out of the last 52 days, taking up its retail price by Rs 9.90 per litre in Delhi.

Petrol prices had also increased on 28 of the previous 48 days, which increased its pump price by Rs 8.85 per litre.

Since January 1 2021, the rates of the two fuels rose by more than Rs 26 a litre before the duty cuts.

The excise duty cut by the Centre on November 3 was the first such exercise since the onset of Covid pandemic in early 2020.

The government had revised the excise duty on petrol and diesel sharply in March and again in May last year to mobilise additional resources for Covid relief measures.

Just a few days ago, the global crude prices had softened to around $83 a barrel from the three-year high level of over $85 a barrel.

If the price line holds, fuel rates in India could come down further and increases could be checked. But OPEC+ decision on only gradual increase in production in December could push up crude prices again. It's already up by $1 per barrel over last week.

Before price cuts and pause, diesel prices have gone up on 30 out of the last 46 days taking up its retail price by Rs 9.90 per litre in Delhi.

Petrol prices have also increased on 28 of the previous 42 days hiking its pump price by Rs 8.85 per litre.