Sheila Dikshit defends petrol price hike

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today appeared to defend the hike in petrol prices saying the Centre had to take the decision out of compulsion and it was time to face the situation with determination.

Admitting that rise in prices of petroleum products was having a spiralling effect on other commodities, Dikshit said the Centre was equally concerned about the problem being faced by the citizens.

"There is a price rise and there is no doubt that it is affecting all of us across the board. But I suppose it was (the hike) due to Central government's compulsions," she said when asked to comment on increase in petrol prices.

Oil companies yesterday raised petrol prices by Rs 1.80 per litre, citing the impact of rupee depreciation on the cost of crude oil imports. Following the increase, petrol in Delhi will cost Rs 68.64 a litre.

"It is not that the government is not concerned. I think it is something we have to face with determination," Dikshit said.