India Hikes Premium Petrol Prices By Rs 2 Per Litre; Check Latest Rates; Industrial Diesel Prices Up By 25%

New Delhi: Premium petrol prices in India have increased by up to Rs 2.35 per litre from March 20, while regular petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged amid the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The hike affects high-octane fuel variants such as XP95 petrol, Power petrol, and speed petrol, sold by Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited has also hiked industrial diesel prices by over 25 per cent.

India's industrial diesel (bulk or direct sales) segment is undergoing a significant shift, marked by a sharp price increase and evolving consumption patterns, according to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). On March 20, 2026, oil marketing companies raised bulk diesel prices by ₹22.02 per litre, taking the rate in Delhi to ₹109.59 per litre. The hike, linked to rising global crude prices and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, has intensified cost pressures on large-scale fuel consumers.

Industrial diesel constitutes around 10–15% of India’s total diesel consumption, with the remaining 85–90% sold via retail outlets. In absolute terms, this segment accounts for a sizeable volume. India's total diesel consumption has shown a steady upward trajectory over the past three years.

In FY 2022–23, total consumption stood at 85.9 million metric tonnes (MMT), rising to 89.6 MMT in FY 2023–24. For FY 2024–25, consumption is estimated at approximately 91.4 MMT. Within this, industrial diesel demand is estimated in the range of 8.6–12.8 MMT in FY23, 8.9–13.4 MMT in FY24, and about 9–13.5 MMT in FY25.

Monthly consumption data also points to sustained demand momentum. In February 2026, diesel consumption rose by 4.3% year-on-year, reflecting increased activity in sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and mining. For the full financial year 2025–26, diesel demand is projected to grow by around 2.8%, indicating stable but moderate expansion aligned with economic growth trends

The price increase for premier petrol ranged between Rs 2.09 and Rs 2.35 per litre, depending on the location. At some fuel stations, XP95 is now priced at around Rs 101.80 per litre, with similar hikes reported for other premium variants.

These high-octane fuels are marketed as better-performing alternatives that improve engine efficiency and provide a smoother driving experience. However, they are used in select vehicles and account for a smaller share of overall fuel consumption.

Sources said that the premium 95-Octane petrol price in Delhi has been increased from Rs 99.89 per litre to Rs 101.89. Alongside, bulk or industrial diesel prices were hiked from Rs 87.67 per litre to Rs 109.59 in Delhi.

A litre of normal petrol in Delhi continues to cost Rs 94.77, while the same grade diesel comes for Rs 87.67 a litre.

At a media briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said there is no increase in prices of normal petrol and diesel.

"Some increase is reported in the premium category, which hardly makes up for 2-4 per cent of the entire petrol (sold in the country)," she said. "There is no increase in price for the common man.

Pricing decisions, she said, are taken by oil companies independently as petrol and diesel pricing were deregulated in 2010 and 2014, respectively. "It (pricing) is decided by oil marketing companies. Government does not regulate petrol and diesel prices," she added.

The government is closely monitoring global oil markets, but there is no immediate plan to raise retail fuel prices. Oil marketing companies are expected to absorb the current cost pressure for the time being.

"Our priority is to make energy available to all consumers, which we have been doing all through the crisis. Till now we have not increased the prices," she added.