Fuel prices across India held steady on June 18, with no changes reported in major metropolitan areas. This stability follows a notable increase on May 25, when state-owned fuel retailers raised petrol prices by ₹2.61 per litre and diesel by ₹2.71 per litre. The cumulative price rise since then has exceeded ₹7.50 per litre, driven by rising global crude oil costs and a weakening Indian rupee.
Current Fuel Prices in Major Cities (June 18)
As of June 18, 2026, the retail prices for petrol and diesel in key Indian cities are:
- Delhi: Petrol at ₹102.12 per litre, Diesel at ₹95.20 per litre.
- Mumbai: Petrol at ₹111.18 per litre, Diesel at ₹97.83 per litre.
- Kolkata: Petrol at ₹113.51 per litre, Diesel at ₹99.82 per litre.
- Hyderabad: Petrol at ₹115.73 per litre, Diesel at ₹103.82 per litre.
- Bengaluru: Petrol at ₹110.93 per litre, Diesel at ₹98.80 per litre.
- Chennai: Petrol at ₹107.77 per litre, Diesel at ₹99.55 per litre.
These figures highlight that petrol prices continue to exceed ₹100 per litre in most major cities, while diesel generally remains below this mark, with exceptions like Hyderabad.
Factors Influencing Petrol and Diesel Prices in India
The retail cost of petrol and diesel in India is a complex interplay of several global and domestic factors:
International Crude Oil Prices
The most significant determinant is the international price of crude oil. India, being a major importer, is highly susceptible to fluctuations in global crude markets, which currently remain volatile due to West Asian tensions and disruptions to key shipping routes.
Rupee-Dollar Exchange Rate
Given India's reliance on imported crude, the exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar plays a crucial role. A weaker rupee increases the cost of purchasing crude oil, directly impacting retail fuel prices.
Government Taxes and Levies
Both the central and state governments impose various taxes and levies on fuel. These taxes constitute a substantial portion of the final retail price and are the primary reason for price disparities across different states.
Transportation Costs and Demand-Supply
Additional factors like transportation costs from refineries to distribution points and local demand-supply dynamics also contribute to the final price consumers pay at the pump.