Kerosene and domestic LPG prices in India are the lowest in South Asia, while the rates for petrol and diesel are comparable with its neighbours, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said today.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, he said kerosene at Rs 9.22 per litre in Delhi is the cheapest cooking fuel in South Asia.
Kerosene in Pakistan costs Rs 34.89 a litre, Rs 30.53 in Bangladesh, Rs 21.26 in Sri Lanka and Rs 34.35 per litre in Nepal.
Similarly, a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi priced at Rs 281.20 is cheaper than Rs 483.06 in Pakistan, Rs 670.12 in Bangladesh, Rs 666.31 in Sri Lanka and Rs 702.72 per cylinder rate in Nepal, he said.
Petrol at Rs 44.63 in Delhi is costlier than Rs 36.52 a litre price in Pakistan but cheaper than Rs 51.36 a litre price in Bangladesh, Rs 54.19 in Sri Lanka and Rs 34.35 a litre in Nepal.
Diesel at Rs 32.87 per litre in Delhi was a shade higher than Rs 30.53 rate in Bangladesh and Rs 30.43 a litre price in Sri Lanka. But it was cheaper than Rs 36.82 a litre price in Pakistan and Rs 34.35 per litre rate in Nepal, he said.
"It may, therefore, be seen that whereas prices of PDS kerosene and domestic LPG in India are the lowest, prices of petrol and diesel are quite comparable to the neighbouring countries," he said adding prices differ because of tax rates.