Fuel Prices That Touch Every Life
In a country as vast and diverse as India, the price of petrol and diesel impacts everyone—whether you’re a commuter, a transport business owner, or simply a family trying to stick to a budget. Every morning, lakhs of Indians check fuel rates with the same anticipation as they would check the weather. Because these prices don’t just reflect oil—they reflect how our days, wallets, and routines flow.
Today, let’s take a closer look at the city-wise petrol and diesel prices across India and understand what’s driving these fluctuations.
Why Fuel Prices Vary City to City
Fuel prices in India aren’t uniform. They change city-wise due to factors like:
State-level taxes and VAT
Transportation costs from refineries
Dealer commission
Local market conditions
This is why filling your tank in Delhi may cost you less than in Mumbai or Bangalore.
Today’s Petrol and Diesel Prices in Major Indian Cities (May 21, 2025)
| City | Petrol Price (₹/litre) | Diesel Price (₹/litre) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹96.72 | ₹89.62 |
| Mumbai | ₹106.31 | ₹94.27 |
| Kolkata | ₹106.03 | ₹92.76 |
| Chennai | ₹102.63 | ₹94.24 |
| Bengaluru | ₹101.94 | ₹87.89 |
| Hyderabad | ₹109.66 | ₹97.82 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹96.42 | ₹91.71 |
| Patna | ₹108.12 | ₹94.96 |
| Jaipur | ₹108.48 | ₹93.72 |
| Lucknow | ₹96.56 | ₹89.76 |
Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the fuel station brand.
What’s Behind the Rise or Fall in Fuel Prices?
Fuel prices in India are directly linked to global crude oil prices. However, they’re also affected by:
INR-USD exchange rate
Geopolitical tensions (like conflicts in the Middle East)
OPEC+ decisions on oil production
Government excise duties and state-level VAT
Recently, global crude oil saw a mild dip, providing slight relief in Indian fuel rates. But for most families, the high base price remains a burden.
Everyday Struggles: Fuel Prices and the Common Man
For the average Indian, rising fuel prices aren’t just numbers—they affect food prices, cab fares, transport charges, and even school bus fees. A small hike in diesel makes vegetables costlier in local mandis. A petrol hike means a rethink of weekend plans.
Many daily wage workers, Ola/Uber drivers, and small logistics businesses feel the pinch more acutely. Fuel costs silently rewrite budgets, routines, and aspirations.
