Updated 28 May 2025 at 13:04 IST
Fuel prices play a crucial role in shaping daily household budgets, making it important for consumers to stay informed about the latest rates. As of May 22, 2025, petrol and diesel prices continue to be a key concern across India, from major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata to smaller towns. These fuel costs directly impact transportation expenses and can lead to fluctuations in the prices of essential goods.
Petrol prices have stayed constant, increasing and decreasing in some cities, showcasing no clear pattern, while diesel prices have remained fairly constant or increased, except in Gurgaon, where the prices have fallen by Rs 0.15.
Taxation: Various taxes are applied on petrol and diesel, and the revenue collected from them has been the highest compared to other fuels. Any revenue generation plans would first affect the prices of petrol and diesel through GST or an increase in levies. Earlier, the government would subsidise petrol and diesel, but now they have started charging heavy excise duties.
Demand and Supply Factors: Political turmoil or conflicts in crude oil exporting nations may lead to supply disruptions, leading to a demand-supply mismatch in the global markets. This mismatch and sharp price rates in the global economy will trickle down and affect local prices.
Uncertain Market Conditions: When economies go under recession or depression, investors position themselves on crude oil trades like petrol and diesel, which leads to an increase in prices within the local economy as well.
Logistics: Transportation costs vary from regions, cities and states, which ultimately impact the petrol and diesel prices across states. Closer areas pay less for petrol and diesel. due to reduced transportation costs. This is a reason why prices in petrol and diesel vary across the cities mentioned.
Exchange Rates: If global crude oil prices fall, India would not benefit if the rupee is weak against the dollar. The rupee-dollar exchange rate plays a crucial role in determining prices in the local economy.
Petrol and diesel prices vary due to different taxation structures between the central and state governments. The cost of crude oil makes up 90% of diesel’s final price along with factors such as taxes, duties and exchange rates. Crude oil prices move along with petrol and diesel prices.
Global crude oil price volatility emanating from geopolitical tensions has led to fluctuations in diesel prices across India. Analysts have predicted that if ongoing geopolitical events, production levels and economic conditions remain, the prices will remain high in the future.
Petrol and diesel prices heavily rely on global market conditions, and it is usually difficult to predict, but government intervention and policy change such as tax adjustments can alter prices.
Published 22 May 2025 at 12:44 IST