The petrol price shot up by 10% as a result of the hike in crude oil prices. The price of petrol before the hike was ₹90 per litr…

Quantitative Aptitude ·Previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025

View the full solved paper: GS Paper II

Question

The petrol price shot up by 10% as a result of the hike in crude oil prices. The price of petrol before the hike was ₹90 per litre. A person travels 2200 km every month and his car gives a mileage of 16 km per litre. By how many km should he reduce his travel if he wants to maintain his expenditure at the previous level?

  1. A. 180 km
  2. B. 200 km (Correct answer)
  3. C. 220 km
  4. D. 240 km

Correct Answer

Option B — 200 km

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 200 km.

Key Points

  • Previous price: ₹90/litre.
  • New price: ₹99/litre (10% hike).
  • Previous monthly spend: 2200/16 × 90 = 137.5 × 90 = ₹12,375.
  • At new price for same spend: litres = 12375/99 = 125 litres → distance = 125 × 16 = 2000 km.
  • Reduction = 2200 − 2000 = 200 km. Answer: 200 km.