As inflation neared 10 per cent, Prime Minister's advisory panel on Thursday said the central bank may tighten money supply at its April policy or before, taking into consideration the price situation for the next few weeks.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday cautioned that inflation could be in double digits in March though the government is taking all steps to protect the vulnerable sections from price rise.

Petroleum minister Murli Deora said on Sunday that the country should stop talking about rolling back the fuel price hike, as the nation's present financial condition does not allow that.

Chanting anti-government slogans, hundreds of supporters of Left parties held a demonstration in New Delhi on Friday, protesting the rising prices of essential commodities.

Food inflation eased a bit to 17.81 percent during the last week of February, but may not soothe overall inflation as petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply following the hike in duty rates.