Fuel prices are more than just numbers on a board at petrol pumps—they shape the very rhythm of daily life. As India wakes up on May 13, 2025, lakhs of citizens—from cab drivers and delivery agents to homemakers and farmers—keep a close eye on petrol and diesel rates. These prices not only affect transportation costs but also ripple through the economy, influencing everything from vegetable rates to monthly budgets.
Petrol and Diesel Price Today (13 May 2025)
While daily revisions are governed by global oil prices, local taxes, and transportation charges, here’s an approximate overview of fuel prices in major cities today:
🛢️ Petrol Prices in Key Cities (₹/litre)
Delhi: ₹98.25
Mumbai: ₹104.55
Kolkata: ₹102.34
Chennai: ₹100.15
Bangalore: ₹103.10
Patna: ₹106.45
Hyderabad: ₹107.05
⛽ Diesel Prices in Key Cities (₹/litre)
Delhi: ₹89.45
Mumbai: ₹94.12
Kolkata: ₹91.30
Chennai: ₹92.75
Bangalore: ₹93.88
Patna: ₹99.05
Hyderabad: ₹98.95
Note: These are indicative prices. For real-time updates, visit your city’s official fuel service provider website.
The Human Impact Behind the Price Tag
For the Common Man, Every Paisa Counts
In households across the country, rising petrol and diesel costs mean trimming expenses elsewhere. For daily wage earners and auto-rickshaw drivers, every litre of fuel translates to more hours on the street.
Ramesh, a delivery boy in Delhi, shares, “Every time the price of petrol goes up by even ₹1, I lose ₹100–₹200 a week. It might seem small, but for us, that’s our lunch money.”
The Middle Class Squeeze
Office-goers commuting by car or bike are also feeling the pinch. With EMI payments and inflation on the rise, fuel hikes add pressure to already stretched family budgets. Many are switching to public transport or ride-sharing apps to cut fuel use.
What Drives the Price of Petrol and Diesel?
Several factors influence India’s fuel prices:
International Crude Oil Prices
INR vs. USD Exchange Rate
Excise Duty by Central Government
VAT by State Governments
Logistics and Dealer Commissions
Even though India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil, local taxes account for over 45% of the final retail price—making them a significant driver.
Government’s Role and Public Expectations
The public often looks to the government for relief during times of inflation. Some key expectations include:
Rationalizing fuel taxes
Implementing GST on fuel
Encouraging alternative energy use
Though there have been discussions about bringing fuel under GST, disagreements between the Centre and states have kept this move in limbo.
Ways to Save on Fuel in Daily Life
As prices soar, here are a few tips to reduce fuel expenses:
Maintain proper tyre pressure
Avoid sudden acceleration and braking
Carpool or use bike-sharing services
Switch to electric or hybrid vehicles
Plan errands to avoid unnecessary trips
Looking Ahead — Is There Hope?
While global oil prices remain unpredictable due to geopolitical tensions and supply-demand issues, India’s push towards renewable energy, electric mobility, and biofuels is slowly shaping a hopeful future. However, till these options become widely accessible, the common man continues to bear the brunt of fluctuating fuel costs.
A Price Beyond Rupees
Fuel is not just a commodity—it’s a lifeline for millions. Whether you’re a student riding a scooter, a farmer using a tractor, or a truck driver hauling essentials across states, petrol and diesel prices touch your life every single day. As the nation drives forward, may the voices of its people shape policies that balance economics with empathy.
