New Delhi/IBNS-CMEDIA: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday warned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could place additional strain on the Indian economy, media reports said.
Rising fuel and shipping costs a concern
Speaking at the SIDBI Foundation Day programme, Sitharaman said the geopolitical tensions may lead to higher fuel prices, increased shipping costs and disruptions to exports.
“The conflict could affect fuel cost further, leading to costly shipping,” Sitharaman said, as quoted by NDTV Profit.
Economic fundamentals remain strong
Despite the concerns, the Finance Minister maintained that India’s broader economic fundamentals remain robust.
Fuel prices hiked for fourth straight day
Fuel prices in India were increased for the fourth consecutive day on Monday, with petrol becoming costlier by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre.
Over the past two weeks, petrol prices have risen cumulatively by around Rs 7.35 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by nearly Rs 7.53 per litre.
In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 95.20 per litre after the latest revision.
