Petrol price was hiked today by 36 paisa a litre, while that of diesel by 87 paisa per litre in line with firming global rates. This is the first hike in petrol price in five months and the third in diesel rates since October. A statement issued by Indian Oil Corporation said that, the petrol will cost 61.06 rupees per litre from midnight tonight as against 60.70 rupees a litre currently. Diesel will cost from 46.80 rupees per liter as compared to Rs 45.93 per litre currently form tomorrow. It also said the current level of international product prices of petrol and diesel and Indian Rupee-US Dollar exchange rate warrant an increase in prices. Last time the price of petrol was on July 16 when rates were increased by 32 paisa. Since then prices have been cut on four occasions.