Fuel prices for petrol and diesel across India's leading cities stayed stable on March 19, despite an upward trend in global crude markets driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disturbances to maritime trade routes.
In the national capital, petrol is still selling at Rs 94.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 87.67 per litre. Rates are comparatively steeper in Mumbai, where petrol is being sold at Rs 103.54 per litre and diesel at about Rs 90.03 per litre.
Across most major metropolitan centres, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, petrol prices continue to hover above the Rs 100-per-litre mark, whereas diesel remains priced below Rs 100.
| City | Petrol (Rs/Litre) | Diesel (Rs/Litre) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 94.77 | 87.67 |
| Mumbai | 103.54 | 90.03 |
| Kolkata | 105.45 | 92.02 |
| Chennai | 100.80 | 92.39 |
| Ahmedabad | 94.49 | 90.32 |
| Hyderabad | 107.50 | 95.70 |
| Patna | 105.54 | 91.78 |
| Bengaluru | 102.99 | 91.06 |
| Lucknow | 94.84 | 87.98 |
ALSO READ: Brent Crude Jumps To $112 As Middle East Conflict Hits Critical Energy Infrastructure
Global Oil Prices
Oil prices climbed sharply after fresh attacks on key energy facilities in the Middle East intensified concerns about supply disruptions from the ongoing conflict. Brent crude jumped over 4% intraday to approach $112 per barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate hovered near $99. Natural gas prices in the US also saw a spike, rising more than 5%.
The latest leg of the rally follows strikes on vital energy assets, including a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) site in Qatar. The escalation marks a shift in the conflict, with energy infrastructure now increasingly in the line of fire. Iran reportedly targeted multiple facilities after earlier strikes on its South Pars gas field — one of the world's largest.
Crude prices have surged roughly 50% since the conflict began, driven by fears of prolonged disruption.
India, meanwhile, has asserted that its energy requirements remain well-secured despite significant disruptions in global supply chains. On 13 March, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed Parliament that the nation's energy security remains intact.
Domestic LPG prices were increased by Rs 60 on March 7, 2026, raising the cost of a 14.2‑kg cylinder in Delhi from Rs 853 to Rs 913. Commercial LPG cylinders also saw a significant hike, now priced at approximately Rs 1,884.50 in the capital.
What Drives Petrol and Diesel Prices?
Fuel prices in India depend on several factors, with global crude oil prices being the most significant as crude is the primary raw material used to produce petrol and diesel.
The rupee–dollar exchange rate also influences fuel prices since India imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements.
Additionally, central excise duty and state-level VAT significantly affect the final retail price of petrol and diesel, which is why rates differ across cities.
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