Diesel up 91 paise, petrol climbs 87 paise amid West Asia oil shock – Firstpost

India’s fuel prices rose again on Tuesday, with diesel prices increasing by 91 paise per litre and petrol by 87 paise, intensifying pressure on households and businesses already grappling with higher transport and logistics costs amid the prolonged conflict in West Asia.

Petrol & diesel prices after latest hike

Source: Industry data | Updated May 19, 2026

The latest revision comes just days after the Centre raised petrol and diesel prices
by Rs 3 per litre across the country, marking the second increase within a week as state-run oil marketing companies battle mounting losses from soaring global crude prices and disrupted energy supply routes.

In Delhi, petrol prices rose by 87 paise to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel climbed 91 paise to Rs 91.58 per litre, according to industry sources.

Mumbai saw petrol prices increase by 91 paise to Rs 107.59 per litre and diesel by 94 paise to Rs 94.08 per litre.

In Kolkata, petrol recorded the steepest increase among metros, rising 96 paise to Rs 109.70 per litre, while diesel rose 94 paise to Rs 96.07 per litre.

Chennai witnessed petrol prices rise by 82 paise to Rs 104.49 per litre and diesel by 86 paise to Rs 96.11 per litre.

The latest increase comes just three days after the Centre raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each nationwide, the sharpest hike in years.

Following Friday’s revision, petrol prices in Delhi had increased from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel rose from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.

The back-to-back hikes come amid intensifying concerns over global energy supplies as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to disrupt shipping and fuel markets across West Asia.

The Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime route through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil passes — remains under strain, driving up freight costs, insurance premiums and crude prices globally.

Brent crude prices have remained above the $100-per-barrel mark in recent weeks as fears over supply disruptions persist despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in the region.

India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its crude oil requirements, remains highly vulnerable to prolonged supply shocks and higher international energy prices.

The Centre on Monday said it could not predict whether further fuel price hikes would follow, even as officials acknowledged that state-run oil marketing companies continued to face significant financial stress.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government was closely monitoring the situation and assured that fuel supplies remained adequate across the country.

“There is no need for panic among LPG distributors, retail outlets or consumers, as the supply of all essential fuels continues normally,” Sharma said.

“It has been more than two-and-a-half months since the West Asia crisis began, and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is still not normal. However, our refineries are operating normally, and we have sufficient crude inventories,” she added.

The government has also urged consumers to conserve fuel and adopt alternative cooking options such as piped natural gas, induction cooktops and electric cooking systems where possible.

Despite the recent price increases, analysts say Indian oil marketing companies continue to suffer heavy losses.

Earlier this month, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India had managed to maintain stable fuel supplies despite severe global disruptions.

Addressing the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 on May 12, Puri said India ensured uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG nationwide even as global crude prices surged and geopolitical tensions intensified.

“At a time of global supply shocks and rising crude prices, India ensured seamless availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG across the country, with no reports of shortages,” the minister said.

Economists warn that if elevated crude prices persist, the impact could spread across the broader economy through higher freight costs, food inflation and weaker consumer spending, potentially complicating India’s inflation outlook in the coming months.