Fuel Inflation Alert: Petrol and Diesel Prices Continue Upward March

Consumers across India faced another fuel price shock on Monday as petrol and diesel prices were increased by up to Rs 2.71 per litre, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks. State-owned fuel retailers continued passing on the burden of rising international crude oil prices to domestic consumers.

With the latest revision, cumulative increases in petrol and diesel prices since May 15 have nearly reached Rs 7.5 per litre, raising concerns over inflation, transportation expenses, and the broader impact on household budgets.

According to industry sources, petrol prices rose by Rs 2.61 per litre, while diesel prices increased by Rs 2.71 per litre.

In the national capital, Delhi, petrol prices increased from Rs 99.51 per litre to Rs 102.12 per litre. Diesel prices also rose significantly from Rs 92.49 per litre to Rs 95.20 per litre.

The continued rise in fuel prices comes after a prolonged freeze in retail rates and is being attributed to elevated global crude oil prices, tighter refining margins, and the weakening rupee, all of which have increased the cost of fuel imports.

Economists believe that sustained fuel price hikes may trigger higher transportation costs, impact logistics and supply chains, and contribute to broader inflationary pressures across sectors.

As fuel prices remain closely linked to global energy markets, consumers and businesses are expected to closely monitor further revisions in the coming weeks.