Mumbai Petrol Crosses Rs 104 Amid Rising Fuel Prices
Mumbai remains the most expensive metro for fuel in India, with petrol priced at Rs 104.21 and diesel at Rs 92.15 per litre on May 18.
The consistently high fuel rates in the city are driven by elevated state taxes and transportation costs, placing a growing burden on daily commuters, particularly those dependent on personal vehicles or taxis. Fuel prices are revised daily at 6 AM by state-run oil marketing companies, aligned with global crude oil trends and currency exchange rates. The mechanism often results in sharp cost fluctuations across states, with Mumbai regularly at the top of the pricing spectrum. Other metros such as Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata are also seeing elevated rates. Petrol in Delhi stands at Rs 94.72, while Chennai reports Rs 100.75 and Kolkata at Rs 103.94 per litre. Diesel follows similar patterns, with prices ranging from Rs 87.62 in Delhi to Rs 92.34 in Chennai and Rs 90.76 in Kolkata. These discrepancies stem from varied state-level levies and transport-related costs.
In Tier-2 cities, the situation remains unpredictable. Indore records the highest petrol price in this segment at Rs 106.48, followed by Patna at Rs 105.58. Diesel in these cities also surpasses Rs 90. Ahmedabad remains slightly lower at Rs 94.49 for petrol. Despite being geographically close, many cities show large pricing gaps, reflecting the complex structure of local taxation and supply logistics. Fuel rates in southern and western cities show a mixed trend. Hyderabad tops national prices with petrol at Rs 107.46 and diesel at Rs 95.70. Bengaluru, Pune, and Nashik also report elevated rates, highlighting how logistical routes and intra-state tax rules heavily influence pricing. Southern cities often bear higher rates due to their distance from major refineries and ports. In contrast, smaller cities such as Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Surat offer some relief. Chandigarh petrol stands at Rs 94.30 with diesel at Rs 82.45, among the lowest nationally. Surat and Lucknow also show moderate prices, though still susceptible to shifts in global crude markets and currency fluctuations.
India’s fuel pricing framework, while linked to international benchmarks, allows for significant variation due to state-specific policies. As a result, fuel continues to be a regional economic pressure point, shaping mobility and household budgets across the country.
