UBI, SBI loans to be costlier, hike benchmark rate

The Union Bank of India (UBI) ands the Sate Bank of India (SBI) have increased their benchmark prime lending rates by 0.50 per cent each. This hike will result in change in SBI’s benchmark rate to 12.75 per cent immediately and to 13.25 per cent in case of UBI from July 1, 2008.

The hike follows the CRR and the repo rate hike by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This will lead to increase in interest rates for all loans linked to the benchmark rates.