admin
Share
The international crude oil market has exhibited signs of slackening with the price of Brent crude oil at approximately $64.29 per barrel, which is considerably lower than previously quoted prices. Nevertheless, this increase in reduction is not expected to come forth in petrol and diesel prices for Indian consumers. Fuel prices set by the central government have yet again been kept at a status quo, and oil marketing companies have officially updated their prices on various platforms as of April 9.
Excise Duty Hike: A Silent Blow to Consumers
As fuel prices remain stagnant, it is worth mentioning that the government increased petrol and diesel excise duties at the beginning of the week. While petrol attracts a 13 per litre increment diesel sees an addition of 10 per litre. Although at face value, it seems as though the consumer is bearing the brunt of the hike since the pump prices are largely unaffected, bringing relief to the consumer. In reality, this move extends the leash on spending further which increases the deficit in revenue, enabling the government to raise prices in the future should the global price surge.
City-Wise Fuel Prices Across India: April 9, 2025
Fuel prices differ across Indian cities, and there is still a significant gap in them despite having the same excise structure. This can be linked to the difference in state taxes, transportation, and local fees. Here is a glimpse of the current fuel prices in Indian metropolitan cities:
City
Petrol (₹/lite)
Diesel (₹/lite)
Delhi
₹94.72
₹87.62
Mumbai
₹103.44
₹89.97
Kolkata
₹103.94
₹90.76
Chennai
₹100.85
₹92.44
Bengaluru
₹102.86
₹91.02
Lucknow
₹94.65
₹87.76
Noida
₹94.87
₹88.01
Gurugram
₹95.19
₹88.05
Chandigarh
₹94.24
₹82.40
Patna
₹105.18
₹92.04
Is Relief on the Horizon for the Common Man?
Usually it is a positive development for the consumers, but in this situation, no. The reduction has been accompanied by unchanged pump rates along with an increase in excise duty. The relief from lower crude looks to be gobbled up somewhere — for instance, to prop-up government revenues — and leaving common people stranded.
Are petrol and diesel prices likely to reduce in the near future? That is a question worth a million dollars. While we can’t say anything with absolute certainty, right now all the attention is on the oil marketing companies. Indian citizens will need to wait for changes in global crude markets as well as government taxation policies to know if there is any possible respite from the fuel costs in the near future.
Read More: PNB Launches ‘Nirmaan 2025’ Scheme Offering 100% Waiver on Processing and Documentation Charges
