Fuel prices remain one of the most closely watched economic indicators in India. On 6 March 2026, petrol and diesel prices across major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and Lucknow have remained largely unchanged, despite a significant surge in global crude oil prices.
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| Petrol Price Today Check Petrol & Diesel Rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata |
The stability in domestic fuel prices comes even as tensions in the Middle East escalate due to the US-Iran conflict, which has led to disruptions in global oil supply routes. In particular, Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping channel, has pushed international crude oil prices higher.
However, Indian consumers have not yet experienced a rise in petrol and diesel rates. State-run oil companies have kept prices steady for now.
Petrol and Diesel Prices in India Today (6 March 2026)
According to the latest price notification issued by government-owned oil marketing companies, petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged in most cities.
In the national capital Delhi, petrol continues to be priced at ₹94.77 per litre, while diesel is selling at ₹87.67 per litre.
Below is the latest list of fuel prices across major cities in India.
Latest Petrol and Diesel Prices in Major Indian Cities
| City | Petrol Price (₹/litre) | Diesel Price (₹/litre) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 94.77 | 87.67 |
| Mumbai | 103.54 | 90.03 |
| Kolkata | 105.41 | 92.02 |
| Chennai | 100.80 | 92.61 |
| Hyderabad | 107.50 | 95.70 |
| Bengaluru | 102.96 | 90.99 |
| Pune | 103.82 | 90.74 |
| Lucknow | 94.97 | 88.50 |
| Jaipur | 104.72 | 90.18 |
| Ahmedabad | 94.84 | 90.17 |
| Patna | 105.54 | 91.84 |
| Chandigarh | 94.30 | 82.45 |
From the table, it is clear that Hyderabad and Patna currently have some of the highest petrol prices in the country, while Chandigarh continues to have relatively lower diesel prices.
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Global Oil Prices Surge After Strait of Hormuz Closure
While Indian fuel prices remain stable for now, the international oil market has experienced significant volatility this week.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, has disrupted global supply chains. Nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
As a result, Brent crude oil prices climbed close to $85 per barrel, after rising nearly 12% within the first three days of the week.
Energy analysts believe that if the disruption continues, global oil markets could witness further price spikes.
For India, which imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, such geopolitical developments can directly affect domestic fuel prices.
Why Petrol and Diesel Prices Differ Across Cities
Many people wonder why petrol and diesel prices vary from one city to another even when the fuel is supplied by the same companies.
The primary reason lies in state taxes and transportation costs.
Each state government imposes Value Added Tax (VAT) and other local levies on fuel. These taxes differ significantly across states, which leads to variations in petrol and diesel prices across cities.
For example:
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States with higher VAT tend to have higher fuel prices.
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Cities closer to refineries may have lower transportation costs.
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Local dealer commissions also influence the final price.
Key Factors That Influence Petrol and Diesel Prices
Fuel prices in India are influenced by several economic and geopolitical factors. The most important drivers are listed below.
1. Global Crude Oil Prices
Crude oil is the main raw material used to produce petrol and diesel. When global crude oil prices increase, the cost of refining fuel also rises.
Since India imports most of its crude oil, international price movements directly impact domestic fuel costs.
2. Rupee–Dollar Exchange Rate
Fuel imports are paid for in US dollars. When the Indian rupee weakens against the dollar, the cost of importing crude oil becomes higher.
This often leads to higher petrol and diesel prices in India.
3. Central and State Taxes
Taxes form a major portion of the retail price of fuel in India.
Both the central government and state governments levy taxes on petrol and diesel.
Approximate Fuel Price Composition in India
| Component | Share in Price |
|---|---|
| Crude Oil Cost | 35% |
| Refining Cost | 10% |
| Central Excise Duty | 20% |
| State VAT | 25% |
| Dealer Commission & Transport | 10% |
Because VAT differs from state to state, petrol prices also vary across different cities.
4. Transportation and Distribution Cost
Fuel must be transported from refineries to fuel stations across the country.
Cities located farther from refineries may experience slightly higher fuel prices due to logistics costs.
5. Demand and Supply Dynamics
Like any other commodity, fuel prices are also affected by market demand and supply conditions.
If demand increases significantly while supply remains limited, prices can rise.
Will Petrol and Diesel Prices Rise in India Soon?
Experts warn that the current stability in domestic fuel prices may not last if global tensions continue to escalate.
The Strait of Hormuz plays a crucial role in global oil transportation. If the route remains blocked or restricted for a longer period, it could disrupt global oil supply and increase prices worldwide.
If Brent crude continues to trade above $85 per barrel, Indian oil marketing companies may eventually need to adjust retail fuel prices.
However, analysts believe that the government may try to delay price increases in the short term to control inflation.
Impact of Rising Fuel Prices on the Indian Economy
Fuel prices influence almost every sector of the economy.
When petrol and diesel prices rise:
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Transportation costs increase
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Food prices may rise due to higher logistics costs
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Inflation can accelerate
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Household expenses increase
Industries such as logistics, aviation, agriculture, and manufacturing are particularly sensitive to fuel price fluctuations.
For consumers, even a small increase in fuel prices can significantly impact monthly budgets.
Government Policies on Fuel Pricing
India follows a dynamic fuel pricing system, introduced in 2017.
Under this system:
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Petrol and diesel prices are revised daily
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Prices depend on international crude oil prices
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Oil marketing companies determine retail prices
However, in practice, the government sometimes intervenes during periods of extreme volatility to protect consumers from sudden price spikes.
Conclusion
As of 6 March 2026, petrol and diesel prices in India remain stable across most major cities despite rising global crude oil prices. Delhi continues to see petrol priced at ₹94.77 per litre, while diesel remains at ₹87.67 per litre.
However, the situation in global oil markets remains uncertain. The ongoing US-Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have already pushed Brent crude prices close to $85 per barrel.
If the supply disruption continues, domestic fuel prices in India may eventually increase in the coming days or weeks.
For now, consumers can expect prices to remain stable — but the global situation will continue to play a critical role in determining the future trajectory of fuel costs in India.