Petrol and diesel prices in the country rose again sharply by 25 paise and 30 paise per litre respectively on Thursday as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) continued to cover for their losses on holding back price rise for the past 18 days due to state elections.

This is third increase in fuel prices in as many days as petrol and diesel prices rose by 15 paise and 18 paise per litre respectively on Tuesday and by 19 paise and 21 paise per litre respectively on Wednesday after 18 days break. With Thursday's increase, petrol is now being retailed at Rs 90.99 a litre and diesel Rs 81.42 a litre in the national capital.