India runs short of ordinary petrol

Shortage of ordinary petrol in India has started in Berhampur city in Orissa, following the recent price rise of petroleum products. Several petrol pumps in the city now do not have stock of ordinary petrol. They are compelling customers to buy premium brands of petrol at higher prices. After the recent price hike, a liter of ordinary petrol costs Rs50.42 (US$1.18) at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) outlets and Rs50.68 (US$1.18) at Indian Oil outlets. But the premium brands of petrol like ‘Speed’ and ‘Extra Premium’ are priced at Rs54.68 (US$1.28). Only a few petrol pumps are now selling the ordinary petrol. (June 13, 2008)