The figure rose to 14.44 per cent from 12.13 per cent in the previous week. This is the fifth consecutive week when the rate of price rise of food items has increased.

The ministerial panel may consider a Rs 2 per litre hike in diesel prices to narrow the difference between the domestic retail price of the fuel and its imported cost.

A raise in diesel prices also looks imminent, as crude oil prices have inched closer to $90 per barrel, widening the gap between domestic retail rates and their imported cost.

The government agrees to give an additional Rs 3,000 crore to them to make up for part of revenue they lost on sale of fuel below cost.

State fuel retailers IOC, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum sell diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene at government dictated rates, lower than cost of production.

Indian Oil Corp is banking on the reimbursement to clean up its books and show a profit for the first half of the current financial year (April- September).

Revenue inflows are unlikely to jump soon, unless taxes are upped. So, let’s rule out easing of tax rates, though there might be some sops for individuals, like a hike in deductibles for home loans or tax-exempt bank deposits.

The tax on the salary is not the only one that’s payable simply because most individuals usually have other sources of income. In addition, there are indirect taxes. Use the following work sheets to calculate your total tax liability.

Given technological and regulatory uncertainties for the green sector, invest small amounts and gradually increase your exposure. Monitor closely and exit if things go wrong.

When it comes to money, the two key roles we all have to play at some point or the other is that of a customer and an investor.

Read the impact on stocks of nine sectors that are likely to be most affected by the Budget proposals. We also list out some of the stocks in each sector that you might want to consider buying or selling.

Anand Rathi expects strong growth in industrial cylinders on the back of growing demand for compressed natural gas.

MONEY TODAY presents to you snapshots of recommendations from investment houses.

Most car owners are not aware of what their vehicles are insured against.A MONEY TODAY primer on how to be financially secure while on the road.

The first dose of freedom is set to change the pricing of policies. For innovations, wait till 1 April 2008 when a free market will truly prevail.

The UPA government plans to migrate to a new pricing regime for kerosene and LPG as well, not just petrol and diesel.

Though the decade began with a bug scare and ended with a scandal and a slowdown, positive events were plentiful through the first 10 years of 21st century. BT identifies 10 milestone events, and what they meant.

Price reduction on Friday, rate reduction on Saturday and tax cuts on Sunday. The first weekend of December saw the government announcing a slew of both fiscal and monetary measures. But a flagging economy needs more.

Despite a call from the FM, industry leaders say cutting production is a better way to deal with recession.

Increased government spending can help fight economic slowdown. But it won’t. And the reason is not lack of funds. What is needed is a comprehensive booster dose of steroids to resuscitate the economy. Manmohan Singh’s diagnosis is not off the mark, but the delivery is. A report by Puja Mehra.