"If this is to continue for longer period of time, it is just a matter of time before the government will pass on some of the price increases," Malhotra said at a conference hosted by the Swiss National Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Switzerland on Tuesday. Excise duties had been cut while state-run fuel retailers were absorbing the increase in crude prices as the conflict continues, he added.

Officials in PMO and finance ministry have held discussions with RBI on measures to limit damage from soaring oil prices.

"If this is to continue for longer period of time, it is just a matter of time before the government will pass on some of the price increases," Malhotra said at a conference…