(Image source from: Zee News - India.com)

Petrol and diesel prices continued to rise for the 15th consecutive day.

Petrol in Delhi is at an all-time high at Rs 79.31 per liter, while the price of diesel is Rs 71.34 per liter. In Mumbai, the price of petrol is Rs 86.72 per liter, while diesel has gone up to Rs 75.74 per liter.

There has been a surge in fuel prices since August 16 after the rupee hit a record low of 71 against the United States dollar.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, on Sunday blamed "external factors" for the rise in domestic prices of petrol and diesel, but said the increase is impermanent.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a conclave organized in Surat, Pradhan said the factors accountable for the drop in production of crude oil have caused a spike in fuel prices in India.

He said, "This is a matter of concern for the world economy, and the Indian economy is also affected. But considering these factors, the Indian government is planning to put diplomatic pressure".

"A high-level American delegation is visiting India, and India's two senior representatives - defense minister and external affairs minister - will talk to them. All these factors will be discussed. I consider this period (of high petrol, diesel prices) temporary," he said, referring to the 2+2 dialogue between the two countries in Delhi this week.

By Sowmya Sangam