New Delhi, Sep 3 : As petrol and diesel prices hit new highs on Monday, former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the Centre and states must act together to bring petrol and diesel under GST immediately.

"Relentless rise in prices of petrol and diesel is not inevitable. Because the price is built up by excessive taxes on petrol and diesel. If taxes are cut, prices will decline significantly," Chidambaram said on Twitter.

"Congress demands that petrol and diesel be brought under GST immediately.

"The Centre blaming the states is a spurious argument. BJP forgets its boast that BJP is ruling 19 States. Centre and states must act together and bring petrol and diesel under GST," he added.

Prices of petrol and diesel, already at unprecedented levels in the country, rose for the ninth consecutive day on Monday, even as analysts said the dual impact of rising oil prices and the depreciating rupee increases regulatory risks for state-run oil and gas firms.

In the national capital, petrol was sold at Rs 79.15 per litre, up from Rs 78.84 on Sunday.

In Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai, the fuel was priced at Rs 82.06, Rs 82.24 and Rs 86.56 per litre, respectively, all a new record, against Rs 81.76, Rs 81.92, Rs 86.25 on Sunday.

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Washington, D.C.: Donald Trump, now serving as the 47th President of the United States, has revamped the Oval Office as part of his return to the White House. His modifications include a portrait of Andrew Jackson, a choice previously criticised due to Jackson's history as a slave owner and his role in the forced displacement of Native Americans.

Trump's Oval Office now features portraits of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. The bust of Winston Churchill has been reinstated, while Martin Luther King Jr.'s bust remains in place. A sculpture titled The Bronco Buster by Frederic Remington is positioned under Jackson's portrait. Meanwhile, a bust of Robert F. Kennedy, which was displayed during Joe Biden's presidency, has been removed.

The President has personalised the space with silver eagle figurines, a square paperweight bearing his name, and family photos near the Resolute Desk. The gold curtains from his first term have been retained, replacing Biden’s blue rug with a neutral-coloured one used during Ronald Reagan's presidency.

Trump’s famous "Diet Coke" button, which signals White House staff to serve his favourite beverage, is back on his desk. Outside the Oval Office, Biden’s chocolate chip cookies have been replaced with flowers and a gold paperweight embossed with "Trump."