Petrol proce hike atrocious and unjust: BJP

New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party Wednesday strongly protested against the steep hike in the petrol price, saying it was "atrocious" and stressed that there was no justification for the step.

"It's atrocious and unbelievable. The UPA government on its third anniversary has given the gift of fuel hike to the people, Prakash Javadekar, senior BJP leader, told reporters here.

"This is no injustice and there is no justification for this, he said.

Petrol prices have been hiked by Rs.6.28 per litre, exclusive of taxes, effective midnight, it was announced here Wednesday. Among the taxes levied is sales tax, which varies between 15 percent and 33 percent in various states.

In Delhi, the hike will be Rs.7.54 per litre.