Petrol and diesel prices increased by more than Rs. 2.5 per litre on May 25. This marks the fourth hike within 10 days. Petrol also rose by around Rs. 2.61 per litre, and diesel saw a steeper increase of Rs. 2.71 per litre.
This latest revision will take the overall increase in fuel prices to around Rs. 7.5 per litre from mid-May. This steep rise has only added to the existing financial burden for individuals and businesses.
The steep increase in fuel prices stems from a rise in the international price of crude oil due to geopolitical instability in regions such as West Asia. The most recent hike has led to petrol prices exceeding Rs. 100 per litre in Delhi. Diesel has approached Rs. 100 per litre in Mumbai.
An increase in fuel costs is bound to lead to higher transportation and logistics costs. Analysts predict this could trigger an inflationary cycle in the retail prices of necessities.
Fuel prices have never fluctuated this much in years. However, since May 2026, the government has sought to align prices with international levels, and the number of adjustments has been increasing.