Fuel prices throughout India saw minimal change on August 21, 2026, maintaining stability despite international oil prices settling lower last week. This follows a period of consistent rates since May 25, when state-owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) last increased petrol prices by ₹2.61 per litre and diesel by ₹2.71 per litre.
Current Fuel Rates in Major Indian Cities
In the capital city, Delhi, petrol is retailing at ₹102.12 per litre, while diesel stands at ₹95.20 per litre. Mumbai continues to experience petrol prices above the ₹110 mark, with rates at ₹111.21 per litre for petrol and ₹97.83 per litre for diesel.
Other major metropolitan areas also show petrol prices exceeding ₹110 per litre. Diesel prices in these cities generally remain below ₹100, with Hyderabad being an exception.
Here are the latest fuel prices for August 21, 2026, in key Indian cities:
- Delhi: Petrol ₹102.12/litre, Diesel ₹95.20/litre
- Hyderabad: Petrol ₹115.69/litre, Diesel ₹103.82/litre
- Kolkata: Petrol ₹113.50/litre, Diesel ₹99.82/litre
- Mumbai: Petrol ₹111.21/litre, Diesel ₹97.83/litre
- Bengaluru: Petrol ₹110.93/litre, Diesel ₹98.80/litre
- Chennai: Petrol ₹107.76/litre, Diesel ₹99.55/litre
Understanding India's Fuel Price Dynamics
Several interconnected factors dictate the retail price of petrol and diesel in India. At the forefront is the global price of crude oil, which serves as the fundamental raw material for both fuels and significantly impacts consumer costs.
The exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar also plays a crucial role. Given India's substantial reliance on imported crude oil, a weaker rupee increases the cost of procurement, which can directly translate to higher pump prices.
Furthermore, both central and state governments levy various taxes, which form a significant component of the final retail price. This taxation structure is the primary reason for the noticeable variations in petrol and diesel rates across different states. Additional factors such as transportation costs and local demand-supply dynamics also contribute to the final price consumers pay.