Premium Petrol Prices Rise by Rs 2 per Litre Across India On March 22, 2026, oil marketing companies (OMCs) in India announced a price increase for premium petrol, raising it by Rs 2 per litre. This marks the first petrol price adjustment since the onset of the Israel-USA-Iran conflict. Regular petrol prices, however, remained unchanged. The update was shared by Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, during an inter-ministerial press briefing. Premium petrol, which includes brands such as Speed, XP 95, and Power, accounts for approximately 2-4% of total petrol sales in the country. The price hike varies slightly among OMCs, with Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Hindustan Petroleum adjusting rates by Rs 2 to Rs 2.35 per litre. The decision reflects broader market dynamics and global fuel price trends, though the exact reasons for the increase were not detailed in the announcement. The move has sparked discussions among consumers and industry experts, particularly given the timing of the adjustment. While the government emphasized that premium petrol constitutes a smaller share of overall sales, the price change could impact drivers who prefer these higher-octane fuels. Analysts noted that the hike aligns with recent fluctuations in international crude oil prices, which have influenced domestic fuel costs. The announcement also highlights the role of OMCs in managing fuel pricing strategies. Each company’s pricing adjustments reflect their individual cost structures and market positioning. For instance, Bharat Petroleum’s increase of Rs 2.35 per litre suggests a slightly higher margin compared to other OMCs. This variation underscores the competitive nature of the petroleum sector in India.#indian_oil #bharat_petroleum #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma #hindustan_petroleum
LPG Crisis: ECA Implemented Nationwide, What is Its Meaning and Why Did the Government Take This Decision? The Indian government has enforced the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) across the country to address the ongoing LPG crisis, ensuring uninterrupted supply of this critical household fuel. The decision aims to curb hoarding, black market activities, and industrial misuse of gas, which have exacerbated shortages. The ECA mandates strict controls on the distribution and use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), prioritizing domestic consumption over industrial applications. Under the new regulations, refineries and petrochemical plants are prohibited from using gas for manufacturing petrochemical products or other industrial purposes. Instead, all gas will be directed toward producing LPG for households, ensuring that residential consumers have a steady supply. This measure is intended to prevent shortages in domestic gas cylinders, which have become a pressing concern due to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The government has also extended the interval between gas cylinder deliveries from 15 to 21 days. This adjustment aims to align supply with demand while maintaining stability in the distribution network. However, the booking process remains unchanged, with consumers still able to reserve cylinders through existing channels. Major oil companies, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, have updated their systems to reflect the new supply schedule. Gas agencies have emphasized that the 21-day gap between deliveries will be strictly enforced, meaning consumers will only receive their next cylinder after 21 days from the previous one.#indian_government #indian_oil #essential_commodities_act #lpg_crisis #bharat_petroleum
