Fuel Prices Hold Steady Across India
As September begins, petrol and diesel prices across India's major metropolitan areas are largely stable, offering commuters a period of predictability at the pump. The national average for petrol is recorded at ₹111.21 per litre, while diesel stands at ₹97.83 per litre. This stability comes as Brent crude oil hovers around $91.13 per barrel in international markets.
City-Specific Fuel Rates
While national averages provide a general picture, local taxes and other factors lead to variations in fuel costs across cities. Here's a snapshot of today's prices in key Indian metros:
- Mumbai: Petrol at ₹111.21 per litre, Diesel at ₹97.83 per litre.
- Delhi: Petrol at ₹102.12 per litre, Diesel at ₹95.20 per litre.
- Kolkata: Petrol at ₹113.51 per litre, Diesel at ₹99.82 per litre.
- Chennai: Petrol at ₹107.77 per litre, Diesel at ₹99.55 per litre.
- Bengaluru: Petrol at ₹111.68 per litre, Diesel at ₹99.56 per litre.
- Hyderabad: Petrol at ₹115.69 per litre, Diesel at ₹103.82 per litre (highest among metros listed).
Notably, Kolkata and Chennai saw slight reductions in diesel rates compared to the previous day, while other cities maintained their prices.
Factors Influencing Fuel Costs
India's reliance on imported crude oil means global market dynamics significantly impact domestic fuel prices. The price of Brent crude, currently around $91.13 per barrel, is a primary driver. Additionally, the exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar plays a crucial role; a weaker rupee increases the cost of crude imports, potentially leading to higher retail fuel prices.
Beyond international factors, domestic taxes levied by both central and state governments constitute a substantial portion of the final price consumers pay. These varying tax structures are the main reason for price differences across states. Transportation costs and local demand-supply conditions also contribute to the retail rates observed at petrol pumps.