Fresh fuel price hikes pushed petrol beyond Rs 102 in Delhi, with commuters and taxi drivers warning of rising transport costs and pressure on household budgets.
Commuters wait at a petrol pump as petrol and diesel prices were increased again across major cities on Monday. | Photo: IANS
Petrol and diesel prices were increased sharply across major cities on Monday, pushing petrol rates in Delhi beyond the Rs 102 mark and triggering concern among commuters, transport workers and daily consumers already dealing with rising expenses.
The latest increase marks the fourth fuel price revision in just two weeks, intensifying concerns over transport costs and inflationary pressure. Officials have linked the continued increase to pressure from global crude oil markets and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have kept energy prices volatile.
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In Delhi, petrol prices rose by Rs 2.61 per litre to reach Rs 102.12, while diesel became costlier by Rs 2.71 and is now being sold at Rs 95.20 per litre.
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Fuel prices also climbed across other metro cities. Petrol in Kolkata touched Rs 113.51 per litre, while diesel reached Rs 99.82. In Mumbai, petrol rose to Rs 111.21 and diesel to Rs 97.83 per litre. Chennai recorded petrol prices at Rs 107.77 and diesel at Rs 99.55 per litre.
At several petrol pumps in Delhi, buyers expressed frustration over the fresh hike and warned that the increase would eventually impact household budgets and transportation costs.
“It is tough for the common man. This impacts everything. We will see what the government can do regarding this,” a buyer said at a fuel station in Moti Bagh.
Another customer defended the revision, linking it to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “It is fine. The government should do whatever is required to save the country. It is because of Israel war,” the buyer said.
Taxi drivers and commercial vehicle operators appeared particularly worried about the diesel price jump.
“We are very upset. They are not even giving diesel in many places. This should be discussed. Taxi drivers will face more problems. The rate of diesel should be decreased,” another buyer said.
Oil companies have linked the continued revisions to rising international crude oil prices and uncertainty in global energy markets triggered by the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia.
Officials say India’s fuel pricing remains sensitive to fluctuations in import costs, especially as the country depends heavily on crude oil imports. Government sources have maintained that periodic price revisions are necessary to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and stability in the domestic market.
Earlier this month, on May 16, petrol and diesel prices had already seen a sharp increase of nearly Rs 3 per litre in several cities.
Amid concerns over rising fuel costs and reports of increased demand at some outlets, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said fuel stocks across the country remain adequate.
The ministry urged people not to resort to panic buying and said oil marketing companies are closely monitoring supply and distribution. It added that temporary pressure at select petrol pumps is being managed through coordinated efforts.
The ministry also appealed for responsible fuel consumption during the current phase of global uncertainty and high demand.
Transport operators and daily commuters are likely to feel the immediate impact of the repeated hikes, especially in urban centres where dependence on road transport remains high. Economists say if fuel prices continue to rise like this, it could soon make everyday goods and transport more expensive, adding fresh pressure on household budgets.
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