New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India on Friday witnessed a significant increase in fuel prices as the ongoing conflict involving Iran sent shockwaves through global energy markets, forcing a revision in retail rates for petrol, diesel and CNG across major cities. The latest adjustment is the first retail fuel price hike in four years.
Under the new rates, petrol prices have been raised by around Rs 3 per litre in metro cities. In Delhi, petrol is now priced at Rs 97.77 per litre, while Kolkata has recorded the steepest rise, taking the rate to Rs 108.74. Mumbai residents will now pay Rs 106.68 per litre, while the revised price in Chennai stands at Rs 103.67.
Diesel rates have also moved upward. Consumers in Delhi will now purchase diesel at Rs 90.67 per litre. In Kolkata, the revised rate is Rs 95.13, while Mumbai and Chennai have fixed prices at Rs 93.14 and Rs 95.25 respectively.
The impact has extended to cleaner fuel options as well. CNG rates in Delhi have increased by Rs 2 per kilogram, pushing the cost to Rs 79.09. A similar hike was implemented in Mumbai, where the fuel will now retail at Rs 84 per kg across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Officials said the revision follows a sharp rise in crude oil prices internationally after the worsening geopolitical situation in West Asia raised concerns over supply disruptions. Market analysts have cautioned that prolonged instability could result in further upward pressure on domestic fuel costs.
In view of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to adopt fuel-saving habits. He appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary road travel, rely more on public transport and embrace work-from-home options wherever possible to help reduce national fuel consumption.
The latest hike is expected to affect transportation expenses and may eventually lead to higher prices for essential goods, adding to inflation concerns for households and businesses across the country.
