From fuel hikes to a record RBI dividend, the week ending May 24 showed how global oil, imports, heatwaves and policy buffers are shaping India's macro outlook
India's transportation fuel demand growth is expected to slow sharply in the second half of 2026 as government-led fuel conservation measures, elevated crude oil prices and a weakening rupee weigh on mobility and consumption trends, according to energy analysts. Petrol and diesel prices have been hiked by about Rs 5 per litre each in three instalments since May 15 as oil companies passed on a part of soaring international oil prices to consumers. The price hikes came just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and government departments to conserve fuel, encourage remote working and reduce non-essential travel as elevated energy prices pressure foreign exchange reserves and threaten to widen the current account deficit. This together with higher prices is likely to have a sobering impact on fuel demand growth. A report by Elif Binici, Lead Analyst (Modeling) at Kpler, revised down India's 2026 refined products demand growth forecast by about 77,000 barrels per day (kbd), or
Petrol and diesel prices were increased by up to 91 paise per litre on Saturday, the third increase in less than 10 days. Petrol price has been increased by 87 paise in Delhi from Rs 98.64 to Rs 99.51 per litre. Diesel rates have gone up by 91 paise from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49. This is the third increase in rates since May 15, when state-owned oil companies started passing on the elevated energy prices arising from the West Asia conflict in a calibrated manner. Prices were hiked by Rs 3 a litre on May 15, followed by a 90 paise increase on May 19. In all, rates have gone up by almost Rs 5 per litre.
CNG in Delhi now costs ₹81.09 per kg, while prices in Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida have risen to ₹89.70 per kg after the latest revision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a marathon meeting of the council of ministers amid the West Asia conflict, rising fuel prices and concerns over foreign exchange reserves
From rising oil pressures and coal gasification to urban housing reform and RBI policy, today's BS Opinion explores the economic and structural challenges shaping India's future
Experts warn elevated crude prices, weak rupee and persistent under-recoveries could force tougher policy choices if the West Asia crisis drags on
State-run oil major says recent increase in retail fuel prices has eased pressure amid soaring crude prices and mounting under-recoveries
AIMTC has called a three-day suspension of commercial vehicle operations in Delhi-NCR over rising levies, fuel costs, and regulatory restrictions
Indian airlines urge oil refiners to delay ATF price hikes for domestic flights amid rising losses triggered by the West Asia conflict
Petrol now costs ₹98.64 a litre in the national capital, from earlier ₹97.77 a litre and diesel is priced higher at ₹91.58 per litre
The Union stated that taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years despite a steep rise in the prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, along with increased costs of vehicle maintenance
Petrol and diesel prices were increased by 90 paise per litre on Tuesday, the second increase in less than a week. Petrol price was hiked to Rs 98.64 a litre from Rs 97.77 per litre in the national capital. Diesel now costs Rs 91.58 a litre against Rs 90.67 previously, according to industry sources. This is the second increase in rates in less than a week. Prices were hiked by Rs 3 a litre on Friday. In Delhi, petrol now retails at Rs 98.64 per litre, up by 87 paise, while diesel is priced at Rs 91.58 per litre, higher by 91 paise. Mumbai saw petrol rise by 91 paise to Rs 107.59 per litre and diesel by 94 paise to Rs 94.08 per litre. Kolkata recorded the steepest hike in petrol at 96 paise to Rs 109.70 per litre, while diesel prices rose by 94 paise to Rs 96.07 per litre. In Chennai, petrol prices rose by 82 paise to Rs 104.49 per litre, and diesel by 86 paise to Rs 96.11 per litre.
Economies adjust to shocks through prices. The role of policymakers is not to suppress those signals
A Rs 3-per-litre increase in petrol and diesel prices has helped state-run oil marketing companies trim daily losses by nearly a quarter, reducing overall losses to around Rs 750 crore per day from Rs 1,000 crore, a senior oil ministry official said Monday. However, elevated global crude prices and a weak rupee continue to keep pump rates below cost-recovery levels. At a news briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said a bailout package, in the form of a government subsidy to make up for losses state-owned oil companies are incurring on selling petrol, diesel and cooking gas LPG below cost, is "still not on the table". International oil prices rose sharply after the US-Israeli war against Iran triggered the largest-ever oil supply disruption. To keep the domestic market insulated, the state-owned oil companies continued to sell fuel at two-year-old rates till May 15, when prices of petrol and diesel were raised by Rs 3 per litre. The
The general concern over price increases is valid. The pressure of higher prices is the hardest on the poorest sections of society
India moved to conserve foreign exchange, contain prices and secure energy supplies as the West Asia crisis tested external accounts and growth forecasts
CNG will now cost Rs 80.09 per kg in Delhi and Rs 88.70 per kg in Noida-Ghaziabad after the latest increase
Drivers and delivery partners linked to ride-hailing, food delivery, and quick commerce platforms will suspend services from 12 pm to 5 pm over demands for higher payouts and fuel-linked compensation
The Delhi Congress on Saturday staged protests across the national capital against rising inflation, a day after the BJP-led Centre increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre. The demonstrations were held outside petrol pumps and dairy booths across Delhi under all 258 Block Congress Committees (BCCs), with party workers protesting against the rising prices of fuel and milk. "The failed policies of the Modi government have set petrol, diesel, and milk prices on fire," the party said in a post on X. Several Congress workers from the Chandni Chowk District Congress Committee also held a protest carrying placards over rising fuel prices. The placards bore slogans such as "Expensive diesel, expensive oil, the Modi government has failed" and "Costly diesel and oil have left the public distressed." Protesters alleged that the rising prices of fuel and essential commodities were burdening common people and worsening inflation. Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav also joined