India raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre as state-run oil marketing companies absorb losses from global crude surging amid the West Asia conflict. Petrol and diesel had been unchanged for four years, but economists say the move could be the start of staggered increases. Further modest hikes may follow if crude stays above $100 per barrel and the Middle East situation persists, with analysts citing the duration of the US-Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz for direction.
Odisha saw a sudden petrol and diesel panic as rumours of a shortage pushed hundreds to queue outside fuel stations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other areas. The situation worsened after petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre, with commuters reportedly waiting hours in heat. Boat operators in Puri and Chilika and farmers using irrigation pump sets also struggled to get diesel. Oil companies insist there is no shortage and stocks exist for 10 to 13 days, though some pumps reportedly ran dry temporarily.
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State-run oil companies in India raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre, the first pump hike in four years, following crude surges after the Iran war. The government aimed to trim losses for fuel retailers but expects higher freight costs and added inflation pressure. While industry executives wanted a bigger increase, they say the revision fails to close the under-recovery gap. Procurement costs have risen sharply as the Indian crude basket and the rupee both worsened, with more hikes likely.
India has revised its energy export policy by imposing a special additional excise duty (SAED) of ₹3 per litre on petrol exports for the first time since the West Asia crisis began. From May 16, the government also cuts levies on diesel exports to ₹16.5 per litre (from ₹23) and on ATF to ₹16 per litre (from ₹33). At the same time, the road and infrastructure cess on petrol and diesel exports will be zero, while domestic fuel duty rates and consumer prices remain unchanged.
India’s Finance Ministry has raised the Special Additional Excise Duty on exported petrol, diesel, and Aviation Turbine Fuel, effective May 16. The SAED rates will be Rs 3 per litre for petrol, Rs 16.50 per litre for diesel, and Rs 16 per litre for ATF. Crucially, domestic excise duties are left unchanged, and the Road and Infrastructure Cess on these products is reduced to nil. Officials say the targeted export-focused change aims to boost revenue without moving retail pump prices.
Petrol and diesel prices in India have risen by Rs 3 per litre, but the impact is unlikely to stay at the fuel pump. Because diesel and petrol power trucks, buses, generators and last mile delivery, the hike can ripple through transport and logistics costs. That means gradual pressure on prices of perishable essentials like vegetables, milk, curd and packaged foods. Delivery platforms, cab aggregators and even local transit and school transport could face higher fees or surge pricing if fuel stays elevated.
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State-owned OMCs in India raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre nationwide, the first major change in nearly four years. Retail rates soon broke the psychological Rs 100 mark in most metros, with Hyderabad recording the highest petrol at about ₹110.89 per litre, ahead of Kolkata and Mumbai. The move is linked to the Iran-US conflict, rising Brent crude near $126 and a Strait of Hormuz disruption. Economists warn inflation could cascade into logistics and daily essentials.
Fuel prices in India jumped on Friday by up to Rs 3 per litre, with petrol hitting Rs 97.77 in Delhi and diesel Rs 90.67. The move follows sustained global crude surges and tighter energy supplies tied to prolonged West Asia conflict. Analysts point to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, which reduces Gulf oil flows and raises import costs for India, which buys over 80% of its crude. State retailers had absorbed losses earlier, but buffers are now exhausted.
CNG prices have risen by ₹2 per kg in multiple regions, including Mumbai and Delhi, shortly after Oil Marketing Companies increased petrol and diesel rates. In Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the retail price has moved to ₹84 per kg, while Delhi’s rate has climbed to ₹79.09 per kg. The move is linked to higher global crude oil costs and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, forcing shipping reroutes and raising concerns about future fuel supplies despite enhanced naval surveillance.
Manipur authorities have dismissed claims of shortages of LPG, petrol, and diesel, saying supply is adequate. The government is countering misinformation and urging residents not to panic buy or hoard. It also warned that black marketing and illegal sales will face strict action. Fuel pumps flouting directives may face legal consequences as enforcement ramps up.
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The Union government moved to reassure Indians after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to conserve fuel and adjust behaviour like using metro or carpooling during the West Asia crisis. Petroleum ministry officials said multiple measures have been taken to keep petrol and diesel supplies steady for common consumers, with minimal inconvenience, despite the heightened geopolitical situation.
Petrol and diesel prices across major Indian cities held steady on Monday, May 11. But Prime Minister Modi’s fresh appeal to conserve fuel, linked to West Asia tensions and climbing global crude prices, is raising expectations of an imminent hike. With state-run oil companies reportedly covering heavy losses, prices may soon be adjusted to balance the impact.
Amid the escalating West Asia crisis and a worsening global energy outlook, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to curb petroleum use and prioritize smarter daily choices. He also asked people to reduce gold and edible oil purchases and to lean on work from home, online meetings, and video conferences, arguing these shifts serve national interest while stabilizing demand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Indians to use petrol, diesel, and gas with restraint, arguing that limiting imports can save foreign exchange. He linked excess dependence on imported petroleum to reducing exposure to war-related disruptions. Modi also highlighted India’s progress in solar power and ethanol blending, and inaugurated and laid foundations for projects worth about Rs 9,400 crore in Telangana.
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Petrol and diesel prices stayed unchanged across India on May 10 despite oil marketing companies racking up losses of around Rs 30,000 crore per month as global crude costs rise. With sources warning that further increases may be on the way in the coming days, commuters may soon see fuel rates move after this brief pause.
India is reportedly considering a jump in ethanol blending in petrol to 25% as part of a broader push toward renewable energy. The move is meant to reduce dependence on imported crude, while increased refining capacity and higher strategic oil reserves aim to strengthen energy security. Together, these steps could help shield the economy from global oil price shocks and support biofuels and hydrogen priorities.
With assembly elections over, speculation is growing that India may see petrol and diesel price hikes. Despite government assurances, the IMF urges the country to pass on rising crude oil costs to consumers, arguing it could curb demand and help the market adjust. The IMF also backs targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups rather than broad price controls.
The government has ruled out financial support for state-run fuel retailers facing losses from selling petrol, diesel and ATF at discounted rates. Even as global crude prices rise, retail fuel prices have remained largely steady, squeezing margins. Officials are effectively signaling that the burden will stay with fuel companies rather than taxpayers.
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Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik admitted on live television that the country holds only a few days of crude supplies, with stock estimated at roughly five to seven days. He contrasted this with India’s reported reserve buffer of 60 to 70 days. Malik further acknowledged Pakistan has no strategic petrol reserves even for a single day, exposing acute energy vulnerability.
Government sources have hinted that a petrol and diesel price increase may be on the table soon. The warning comes as oil companies run up losses, while retail fuel rates have been frozen for four years. With global crude oil prices surging, state-owned firms face mounting pressure—raising the possibility that consumers could pay more in the coming days.
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