On May 6, 2026, consumers across India found petrol and diesel prices holding steady. This stability comes despite ongoing tensions in West Asia and disruptions to critical global shipping routes, which often keep crude oil markets volatile.
Current Fuel Prices in Major Indian Cities
As of May 6, 2026, fuel rates showed consistency, with petrol prices in several major urban centers, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, remaining above the ₹100 per litre mark. Diesel prices, however, generally stayed below ₹100 per litre across these cities.
- Delhi: Petrol ₹94.77/litre, Diesel ₹87.67/litre
- Mumbai: Petrol ₹103.54/litre, Diesel ₹90.03/litre
- Kolkata: Petrol ₹105.45/litre, Diesel ₹92.02/litre
- Chennai: Petrol ₹100.84/litre, Diesel ₹92.39/litre
- Bengaluru: Petrol ₹102.92/litre, Diesel ₹91.06/litre
- Hyderabad: Petrol ₹107.50/litre, Diesel ₹95.70/litre
Factors Influencing India's Fuel Prices
The retail price of petrol and diesel in India is a complex interplay of several international and domestic economic forces. Understanding these elements provides insight into why rates fluctuate or remain stable.
Global Crude Oil Dynamics
The international price of crude oil is the single most significant determinant of what consumers pay at the pump. As the primary raw material for both petrol and diesel, any shift in global crude benchmarks directly impacts import costs for India, a major oil importer.
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 weakening Rupee makes crude oil imports more expensive in local currency, potentially leading to higher retail fuel prices.
State and Central Taxes
Both central and state governments levy various taxes on fuel, which form a substantial portion of the final retail price. These taxes, which differ from state to state, are a primary reason for the variation in petrol and diesel rates across different Indian cities.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond these major influences, transportation costs from refineries to distribution points, as well as the prevailing demand and supply conditions within specific regions, also contribute to the final retail price consumers encounter.