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
Premium petrol prices increased by Rs 2 per litre, while regular fuel and diesel rates remained unchanged nationwide. The hike affects high-octane fuels like Indian Oil’s XP95 and Hindustan Petroleum’s Power petrol, with revised prices taking effect today. At some stations, IOCL’s XP95 is now priced at approximately Rs 101.80 per litre, and HPCL’s premium petrol has seen a similar rise across various outlets. The price increase coincides with a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, which have remained above $100 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and fears of supply disruptions. Higher crude costs have increased input expenses for oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL. Additionally, the rupee’s decline to record lows against the US dollar has made crude oil imports more expensive for India, which relies heavily on foreign oil. As a result, companies have opted for a selective price adjustment on premium fuels rather than raising rates for regular petrol and diesel, which are more commonly used. The government clarified that the hike is limited to premium fuels and does not signal a broader revision. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that petrol and diesel prices are deregulated, and any adjustments are corporate decisions. Regular fuel prices have remained stable across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, despite global crude volatility. Policymakers have avoided raising regular fuel prices to prevent inflationary pressures. Premium petrol, which accounts for a smaller share of consumption, allows companies to manage costs without impacting the broader public. For most consumers, the change has minimal immediate effect since regular fuel prices remain unchanged.#bpcl #indian_oil #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma #hindustan_petroleum
Government Urges Citizens to Avoid Panic Over LPG Supplies Amid Global Uncertainty Public concerns over potential shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other fuels have intensified, but the Indian government has reassured citizens that there is no need for panic. The situation has been exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy transport, amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Officials have emphasized that while the closure has disrupted oil supply chains, measures are in place to ensure stability. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, addressed the issue during a press briefing. She highlighted that panic-driven bookings have surged, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary reservations and conserve fuel during this period of global uncertainty. “There is a manifold increase in bookings because of the panic. We urge the citizens to avoid panic booking and all efforts have to be made to conserve the fuel wherever possible,” Sharma stated. The government has assured that the retail fuel network is functioning smoothly, with nearly 100,000 fuel outlets operating without shortages. Sharma noted that approximately 25,000 LPG distributors are supplying around 50 lakh cylinders daily, ensuring uninterrupted access for households. To prioritize essential needs, commercial LPG supplies are being directed toward hospitals and educational institutions. A three-member committee of executive directors from oil marketing companies oversees allocations to prevent hoarding or black market activities. India’s refineries are operating at maximum capacity to boost LPG production, according to Sharma.#iran #united_states #strait_of_hormuz #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma
