Petrol, Diesel prices hiked by Rs.3 across India
The Centre increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre across India as the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continued to disrupt global oil and gas supplies.
Following the hike, petrol prices in Delhi rose to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel is now being sold at Rs 90.67 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol now costs Rs 106.68 per litre and diesel Rs 93.14 per litre. Prices also increased in Kolkata and Chennai.
CNG prices were also revised upward, with rates in Delhi reaching Rs 79.09 per kg and Rs 87 per kg in Noida and Ghaziabad.
Government sources defended the fuel price increase, saying authorities were “shielding citizens instead of passing on the full global oil shock” despite mounting pressure on oil marketing companies due to soaring international crude prices.
The increase comes as Brent crude prices remain above $100 per barrel following continued tensions in West Asia and disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
According to officials, Indian oil companies had been absorbing significant losses for several weeks by maintaining domestic fuel prices despite rising import costs. Sources claimed oil marketing companies were collectively losing nearly Rs 1,000 crore per day before the latest revision.
Indian Oil Corporation Director (Refineries) Arvind Kumar described the increase as a “very small rise” and assured consumers that refineries and fuel stations across the country were operating at full capacity to avoid shortages.
The fuel price hike has triggered political reactions, with the Congress criticising the move and warning of further inflationary pressure on households and businesses. The BJP, however, defended the decision, arguing that India had witnessed one of the lowest fuel price increases among major economies affected by the global energy crisis.
BJP leaders said countries such as the US, Pakistan and Myanmar had seen significantly sharper increases in fuel prices since the outbreak of the Iran conflict and the partial blockade of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier appealed to citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption wherever possible and use public transport systems such as metro services and electric buses.
The latest hike is expected to impact transportation costs, logistics and daily household expenses, with cab drivers and transport operators already expressing concerns over rising fuel and CNG prices.
