Fuel Prices Hold Steady Across India on September 30
Consumers across India's major metropolitan areas will see no change in petrol and diesel prices on September 30, 2026. This stability comes despite a significant upward trend in international crude oil markets, placing substantial financial strain on the nation's state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs).
The national average for petrol is holding at ₹111.21 per litre, with diesel at ₹97.83 per litre. This consistent pricing strategy, while beneficial for consumers in the short term, means OMCs are currently absorbing the full impact of rising global crude costs.
City-Specific Fuel Rates
Here are the latest petrol and diesel prices per litre in key Indian cities as of September 30, 2026:
- Mumbai: Petrol ₹111.21, Diesel ₹97.83
- Delhi: Petrol ₹102.12, Diesel ₹95.20
- Kolkata: Petrol ₹113.51, Diesel ₹99.82
- Chennai: Petrol ₹107.76, Diesel ₹99.55
- Bengaluru: Petrol ₹111.68, Diesel ₹99.56
- Hyderabad: Petrol ₹116.15, Diesel ₹104.23
These figures highlight the variance in fuel costs across different cities, primarily due to local taxation and logistical factors.
Why Prices Differ Across India
The disparity in petrol and diesel prices from one city to another is largely attributed to varying tax structures imposed by both central and state governments. Beyond taxes, transportation costs and the prevailing demand-supply dynamics within a specific region also play a crucial role in determining the final retail price at the pump. While the base price of fuel from refineries is uniform, these local variables significantly influence what consumers ultimately pay.
Global Crude Trends and Local Impact
International crude oil benchmarks continue their ascent. As of September 30, Brent crude is trading at approximately $103 per barrel, with WTI crude at $89.30 per barrel. Rating agency ICRA estimates that Indian fuel retailers are incurring daily losses of around ₹530 crore by maintaining current pump prices amidst this global rally. This widening gap between import costs and stagnant domestic retail rates is severely eroding retail margins.
The rupee-dollar exchange rate is another critical factor influencing India's fuel pricing, given the nation's heavy reliance on imported crude. A weakening rupee against the dollar increases the cost of crude procurement, potentially translating into higher retail fuel prices in the future. Experts suggest crude prices may remain elevated in the run-up to the US midterm elections later this year, adding further uncertainty to India's oil import bill and future domestic fuel pricing decisions.