Published May 25, 2026 | 9:14 AM ⚊ Updated May 25, 2026 | 9:14 AM
A petrol bunk in Kochi, Kerala. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: The Union government increased the prices of petrol and diesel across the country amid high crude oil prices due to the West Asia crisis. Over the last four hikes, in two weeks, the total increase adds up to over ₹7.
The Union government on Monday, 25 May, increased the prices of petrol and diesel across the country amid high crude oil prices due to the West Asia crisis.
According to PTI, petrol price has been increased by ₹2.61 and diesel price by ₹2.71.
Following the latest increase, petrol in New Delhi is now priced at ₹102.12 per litre, while diesel rates have risen to ₹95.20 per litre.
This marks the fourth hike in two weeks, amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia and supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.
However, crude oil prices are falling after reports emerged that a deal between the US and Iran to stop the war has been finalised.
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Over the last four hikes, the total increase adds up to over ₹7.
Petrol has gone up by ₹7.38 and diesel by ₹7.52 since 15 May, when state-owned oil firms began passing on higher global energy costs in a phased manner.
This major increase comes on top of the ₹3/litre hike implemented around 15 May 2026 — the first major revision in nearly four years.
Southern cities, which already face high state taxes and VAT, have been hit particularly hard.
Consumers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala are feeling the pinch. Daily commuters, transport operators, and small businesses are expected to face rising costs, which could translate into higher freight and goods prices in the coming days.
Political reactions have been sharp, with the Opposition slamming the Centre for burdening common people at a time of global uncertainty. On social media, citizens all over India have expressed frustration over repeated hikes despite earlier periods of price stability.
Oil marketing companies (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL) have stated that the revisions are necessary to offset losses accumulated from not passing on the full impact of international crude price surges.
