Prices of petrol and diesel in Tamil Nadu went up by Rs 3.78 and Rs 1.70 respectively, following the state government revising the Value Added Tax (VAT) on these products.
Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association protested the move, saying the hike would affect all sections of society and demanded an immediate rollback.
Association President K P Murali said VAT on petrol was increased from 27 per cent to 34 per cent, while that on diesel was hiked from 21.4 per cent to 25 per cent with effect from last mid-night.
As a result, the rate of petrol has increased by Rs 3.78 and that of diesel by Rs 1.70 in the state, he told PTI.
"This is a steep increase. While the petrol price will immediately affect the motorists, the hike in diesel rate will have a cycle effect on many products, including vegetables as diesel vehicles are predominantly used in the transportation of commodities," he said.
Following the hike, the petrol price had touched the Rs 75 mark in Chennai while additional costs like transportation would add a little more to rates in other cities and towns such as Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Cuddalore, he said.
On a comparative note, petrol and diesel are priced at Rs 68.13 and Rs 60.18 respectively in neighbouring Puducherry, a Union Territory, Murali said.
The hike would affect all sections of society even as it came in the wake of periodical revision of rates of petroleum products by the Oil Marketing Companies, he said, adding the state government should therefore, roll back the VAT revision.
The association is planning to submit a representation to the state government in this regard, he added.
Many consumers, including motorists, also protested the move.
State government officials could not be reached for a comment.