Govt Shields Consumers Despite Sharp Rise in International Fuel Prices
New Delhi, April 1: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that regular petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged, despite a sharp surge in global petroleum prices.
According to the Ministry, petrol in Delhi continues to be priced at ₹94.77 per litre, while diesel remains at ₹87.67 per litre.
The government stated that global petroleum prices have risen by up to 100% in the past month, leading to significant financial strain on public sector oil companies.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are currently facing: Under-recovery of ₹24.40 per litre on petrol and ₹104.99 per litre on diesel. The Centre said these measures are in line with its commitment to protect citizens from rising international fuel costs.
The Ministry clarified that the recent ₹2 per litre increase applies only to premium petrol variants such as XP95, Power95 and Speed. These fuels are high-octane products, priced at a premium and used by choice, accounting for a small share of total fuel consumption.
The government also addressed Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) pricing, stating that ATF prices are deregulated and revised monthly based on global benchmarks. Due to global disruptions, including issues in the Strait of Hormuz, ATF prices were expected to rise sharply.
However, to reduce the impact on domestic travel only a partial increase of 25% (₹15/litre) has been passed on to airlines. International flights will bear the full increase.
The Ministry emphasized that fuel prices at retail pumps remain stable, even as global fuel prices have increased by 30–50% worldwide.
The Centre reiterated that its pricing strategy aims to balance global market realities while protecting Indian consumers from sudden price shocks.
