The fake notification had said that petrol prices had been raised to Rs312. It had also hiked diesel price by Rs19.60 to Rs323.

A statement from the ministry of finance said that the decision on petrol prices, effective for the next fortnight, will be taken later on Thursday.

The petroleum division at the ministry of finance announces petroleum prices every fortnight on the recommendation of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra).

At the end of August, the government is scheduled to announce prices for the next week, beginning September 1.

Given the rupee depreciation and rising oil prices on the international market, it was expected that the caretaker would increased prices by around Rs15 per litre.