Noida, May 18 (APAC Media): Petrol and diesel prices in India increased by Rs 3 per litre on Monday, May 18, continuing a string of recent hikes that are affecting both consumers and businesses.
The revision applies to major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, amid ongoing global crude oil volatility and a weakening rupee.
According to IOC data, the latest fuel rates are as follows:
Petrol & Diesel Prices in Major Indian Cities (₹/litre)
| City | Petrol Price (₹/litre) | Diesel Price (₹/litre) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 104.86 | 93.60 |
| Mumbai | 111.45 | 102.09 |
| Bengaluru | 109.04 | 96.78 |
| Kolkata | 106.98 | 95.56 |
| Chennai | 108.41 | 96.25 |
| Hyderabad | 108.74 | 96.56 |
| Pune | 110.78 | 99.06 |
| Ahmedabad | 109.12 | 96.98 |
| Jaipur | 108.67 | 96.45 |
| Lucknow | 107.24 | 94.87 |
| Chandigarh | 107.55 | 95.10 |
| Patna | 107.02 | 94.76 |
The recent increase in fuel prices has been attributed to rising international crude oil rates and volatility in the Indian rupee against the US dollar.
Global crude is currently trading in the range of $72–$74 per barrel, while the weakening of the rupee has further pushed up domestic fuel costs.
“Fuel price revisions reflect a careful assessment of international crude oil trends, currency fluctuations, and domestic taxation,” officials said.
The rate hike is expected to ripple across the economy, as transport and logistics operators may pass on higher costs to consumers, driving up prices of goods and services and adding to inflationary pressures. Commuters and households are likely to feel the impact immediately, with daily travel costs set to rise.
“Our aim is to balance revenue requirements with the need to mitigate the impact on consumers,” officials added.
Government authorities say fuel price revisions aim to strike a balance between revenue generation through fuel taxes and mitigating the impact on consumers.
Analysts caution that ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatility in global oil markets could keep fuel rates high in the near term.
Consumers are urged to monitor fuel rates regularly, as Indian oil prices are revised daily in line with international crude trends, currency movements, and regional taxes. While temporary declines in global crude oil may offer some relief, the prevailing trend suggests continued strain on household budgets.
However, rising petrol and diesel prices have fuelled public concern over the affordability of transport and essential goods.
Policymakers are coming under increasing pressure to devise measures that stabilise fuel costs without affecting government revenue, seeking to strike a careful balance between economic stability and consumer welfare.
Disclaimer: Fuel prices mentioned above are indicative and may vary slightly due to local taxes and dealer-level adjustments. Prices are updated as of May 18, 2026, and are subject to daily revision by oil marketing companies. Readers are advised to check with local fuel stations for exact rates.
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