Published May 15, 2026 | 7:28 AM ⚊ Updated May 15, 2026 | 7:28 AM
A petrol bunk in Kochi, Kerala. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Union government hiked petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre each amid rising global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict. Meanwhile, the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers’ Association wrote a letter to Oil Marketing Companies pointing to operational concerns faced by retailers.
The Union government on Friday, 15 May, hiked petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre each amid rising global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Following the revision, petrol prices in Delhi increased from ₹94.77 to ₹97.77 per litre, while diesel rates rose from ₹87.67 to ₹90.67 per litre, according to PTI. Petrol prices were also revised in other metros, reaching ₹108.74 per litre in Kolkata, ₹106.68 in Mumbai and ₹103.67 in Chennai.
The hike comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked citizens to reduce the consumption of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. He had also urged farmers to shift to natural farming, away from chemical fertilisers.
Also Read: Union government increases commercial LPG cylinder price by Rs 993
Meanwhile, the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers’ Association wrote a letter to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) pointing to operational concerns faced by retailers.
The letter said OMCs are forcing dealers to sell power petrol instead of regular petrol. It added that it is a burden on the consumers and that the retailers cannot legally refuse to sell regular petrol to consumers.
It added that although OMCs clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, restricting the sale of ordinary petrol contradicts the claim.
Further, it claimed that the regional offices of OMCs are wrongfully coercing the dealers by forcefully sending power petrol instead of regular petrol. It said OMCs are violating the Essential Commodities Act and causing financial loss to end users.
Before the hike in retail fuel prices, in March, all three major oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) — had raised the prices of premium petrol.
On 1 May, the Union government increased the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder by ₹993 across the country. The price of a 5 kg commercial cylinder was also increased by ₹261.
