New Delhi, May 15 -- India's latest fuel price increase is expected to raise cultivation and transportation costs across the farm sector ahead of the crucial kharif sowing season, potentially adding fresh pressure on food inflation in the coming months, according to farmers, economists and agriculture experts.

Oil marketing companies on Friday raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs.3 per litre as a surge in global crude oil prices was hurting their margins. Following the hike, diesel prices in New Delhi rose to Rs.90.67 a litre, while rates in Kolkata and Chennai increased to Rs.95.13 and Rs.95.25, respectively.

The development assumes significance as the agriculture sector accounts for nearly two-fifths of India's annual diesel consumpt...