As petrol and diesel prices rose across India amid mounting global energy pressures, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on Friday assured citizens that there would be no fuel shortage, with all its refineries operating at more than 100 per cent capacity to maintain uninterrupted supplies at retail outlets nationwide.
Speaking after the Centre increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each, IOCL Director (Refineries) Arvind Kumar termed the revision a “very small rise” despite the pressure created by the ongoing Gulf crisis and volatility in global crude markets.
Kumar said Indian Oil’s refinery network was functioning round the clock to prevent any disruption in fuel availability.
“It’s a very small rise, and a lot of pressure is there. Indian Oil Group companies’ 10 refineries are working round the clock at more than 100 per cent capacity so that there will be no crisis and no dry-out at any retail outlet,” he said.
He also urged citizens to conserve fuel during this “critical time” for global energy markets.
Petrol, diesel prices rise across major cities
Following the latest revision, petrol prices in Delhi climbed from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel rates increased from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.
Similar hikes were recorded across other metro cities. In Kolkata, petrol prices touched Rs 108.74 per litre, while diesel rose to Rs 95.13. Chennai saw petrol prices climb to Rs 103.67 and diesel to Rs 95.25 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol reached Rs 106.68 per litre and diesel Rs 93.14.
The increase comes amid heightened geopolitical instability in the Gulf region, a major source of India’s crude oil imports.
Green hydrogen to power Delhi’s new buses
Even as the company ramps up conventional fuel production, IOCL is simultaneously accelerating its transition towards cleaner energy alternatives.
Kumar highlighted the deployment of hydrogen-powered buses in the national capital as part of Indian Oil’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable mobility.
The company has supplied two hydrogen fuel-cell buses to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for operations between Central Secretariat and Seva Teeth Metro stations, covering key government establishments in the Central Vista region.
“These are hydrogen buses given by Indian Oil to DMRC. This shows Indian Oil is fully sensitive towards the environment. Even when pressure exists because of the Gulf crisis, hydrogen buses are important because they have zero emissions,” Kumar said.
The hydrogen used for the buses is being produced at IOCL’s Research and Development Centre in Faridabad through green hydrogen technology.
Kumar explained that the buses emit only water vapour, making them a zero-emission transportation solution. “It is hydrogen, and ultimately, only water comes out. These buses will be refilled at our R&D centre in Faridabad, where we produce green hydrogen,” he said.
Each bus has a seating capacity of 35 passengers and is equipped with GPS-based tracking systems and CCTV surveillance for passenger safety and monitoring.
The shuttle service will operate during peak office hours on working days and is aimed at encouraging commuters to shift towards public transport and reduce individual fuel consumption.
According to IOCL, the initiative is intended not only to cut vehicular emissions but also to reduce pressure on petroleum imports during a period of heightened uncertainty in global energy supply chains.
Kumar said the hydrogen buses also carry a larger public message on fuel conservation.
“These buses send a symbolic message that people should reduce consumption of petroleum products. India imports crude oil, and the Gulf crisis is creating pressure on us,” he said.