Steady Fuel Prices
On April 5, 2026, consumers found stability in petrol and diesel prices across India. This comes as a welcome relief, especially with global crude oil
markets experiencing significant turbulence. Geopolitical events in West Asia have caused considerable fluctuations, with Brent crude hovering around the $109 per barrel mark. Despite this international volatility, Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) have maintained current retail prices. These companies update fuel rates daily at 6 AM, synchronizing them with international crude oil benchmarks and currency exchange fluctuations. However, to shield consumers from sudden price shocks, OMCs have been absorbing a portion of these market swings. This strategy is aimed at preventing abrupt price hikes and managing inflationary pressures within the domestic economy.
Major City Rates
As of April 5, 2026, petrol and diesel prices in India's major metropolitan areas reflect the national stability. In New Delhi, petrol was priced at ₹94.72 per litre and diesel at ₹87.62. Mumbai recorded higher rates at ₹104.21 for petrol and ₹92.15 for diesel. Chennai's prices stood at ₹100.75 for petrol and ₹92.34 for diesel. Kolkata consumers paid ₹103.94 for petrol and ₹90.76 for diesel. Other key cities also saw consistent pricing, such as Ahmedabad at ₹94.49 for petrol and ₹90.17 for diesel, and Bengaluru at ₹102.92 for petrol and ₹89.02 for diesel. Hyderabad registered ₹107.46 for petrol and ₹95.70 for diesel, while Jaipur had ₹104.72 for petrol and ₹90.21 for diesel. Further afield, Lucknow's petrol price was ₹94.69 and diesel ₹87.80, and Pune's petrol was ₹104.04 with diesel at ₹90.57. Chandigarh's rates were ₹94.30 for petrol and ₹82.45 for diesel. In Indore, petrol cost ₹106.48 and diesel ₹91.88. Patna's prices were ₹105.58 for petrol and ₹93.80 for diesel, and Surat had petrol at ₹95.00 and diesel at ₹89.00. Nashik's prices were ₹95.50 for petrol and ₹89.50 for diesel. These rates remain unchanged since May 2022, a period that saw tax reductions by both central and state governments.
Price Influencing Factors
The consistent fuel prices, despite global market fluctuations, are a result of several interconnected factors. Primarily, international crude oil prices remain the foundational element influencing retail rates, as crude is the raw material for petrol and diesel. However, the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar also plays a crucial role. Since India imports a substantial amount of its crude oil, a weaker rupee inevitably escalates import expenses. Furthermore, taxes, including central excise duty and state-level Value Added Tax (VAT), constitute a significant portion of the final retail price. These taxes vary considerably across different states, leading to the price disparities observed between various cities. Refining costs, which depend on the efficiency of the refineries and the type of crude oil processed, also contribute to the overall pricing. Finally, the interplay of domestic demand and supply dynamics can also subtly influence pricing trends within the Indian market, although geopolitical events have been the dominant concern lately.
Premium Fuel Hikes
While regular petrol and diesel prices have been held steady, a notable exception has been in the premium fuel segment. On April 1, 2026, the price of IndianOil’s XP100, India's first 100-octane premium petrol, saw a substantial increase of ₹11 per litre, rising from ₹149 to ₹160. This high-performance fuel is typically favored by owners of luxury vehicles and superbikes, as its higher octane content enhances engine efficiency and performance. Similarly, the premium diesel variant, Xtra Green, also experienced a price revision, increasing to ₹92.99 per litre from its previous price of ₹91.49. Additionally, private fuel retailers like Shell India and Nayara Energy have also been adjusting their prices. Shell India, for instance, raised its petrol and diesel rates on April 1, with petrol increasing by ₹7.41 per litre and diesel by a significant ₹25.01 per litre in Bengaluru. This divergence suggests that while the broader market is being shielded, specialized fuel segments are more susceptible to price adjustments based on evolving costs and demand.
