As of August 12, 2025, petrol and diesel prices across Indian cities remain subject to dynamic fuel pricing, influenced by a combination of global crude oil prices, currency exchange rates, and local taxes. These prices are revised daily at 6 a.m. by leading oil companies, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.

Current Prices in Major Cities

In Delhi, the petrol price is ₹94.72 per litre, showing no change from the previous day. Similarly, the diesel price in Delhi is ₹87.62 per litre, also unchanged.

Here's a comparison of petrol prices in other major cities:

• Mumbai: ₹103.4 per litre
• Kolkata: ₹104.95 per litre
• Chennai: ₹100.75 per litre
• Bangalore: ₹102.86 per litre

Diesel prices across major cities are as follows:

• Mumbai: ₹90.03 per litre
• Kolkata: ₹92.76 per litre
• Chennai: ₹94.24 per litre
• New Delhi: ₹89.62 per litre

Factors Influencing Fuel Prices

Several factors contribute to the fluctuations in petrol and diesel prices in India:

• Crude Oil Prices: The cost of crude oil, which India imports, is a primary determinant of fuel prices. Global crude oil prices and geopolitical events can cause fluctuations.
• Rupee-Dollar Exchange Rate: Since crude oil is traded in US dollars, the exchange rate between the rupee and the dollar impacts the cost of crude oil for Indian oil companies. A weaker rupee results in higher crude oil prices.
• Taxes and Duties: Both central and state governments impose taxes on petrol and diesel, which significantly affect the final price consumers pay. Excise duty is standard across all states, but Value Added Tax (VAT) varies, leading to price differences between states.
• Transportation Costs: The distance from refineries to dealers impacts transportation costs, which are factored into the price.
• Dealer Commission: Dealer commissions, though a smaller component, also contribute to the final price.

Regional Price Variations

As of August 12, 2025, the highest petrol rates were recorded in Andhra Pradesh at ₹109.57 per litre, while the lowest petrol price was in Dadra and Nagar Haveli at ₹92.51 per litre. For diesel, Andhra Pradesh had the highest rate at ₹97.39 per litre, and Mizoram had the lowest at ₹81.31 per litre. These variations are primarily due to differing VAT rates imposed by state governments.

Historical Price Trends

Petrol and diesel prices in India have generally increased over the years, influenced by global crude oil rates, government policies, and geopolitical developments. From 2004 to 2025, petrol prices have seen a steady rise due to factors such as taxation, subsidies, rising exchange rates, and inflation. Diesel prices also saw significant increases, particularly when economies recovered from COVID-19, leading to higher crude oil prices and increased taxes.

Impact of Fuel Prices

Rising fuel prices can have a cascading effect on the economy. Increased transportation costs, driven by higher diesel prices, can lead to inflationary pressures, affecting the prices of essential commodities. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may modulate interest rates to mitigate these inflationary pressures, which in turn can impact borrowing costs.

Tracking Fuel Prices

Consumers can track daily petrol and diesel prices through various methods. Oil marketing companies provide mobile apps like Fuel@IOC, Smart Drive (BPCL), and My HPCL. Additionally, information is available on the websites of leading oil companies, and price updates are typically provided via SMS.