Petrol and diesel prices in India are subject to daily fluctuations, determined by a complex interplay of global and domestic factors. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) such as Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL announce the price of petrol and diesel every day at 6:00 am. These adjustments reflect changes in global crude oil prices, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar, and government taxation policies. This information is critical for consumers as it enables them to plan their fuel budgets accordingly.

Factors Influencing Petrol and Diesel Prices in India

Crude Oil Prices

The most significant factor driving petrol and diesel prices is the cost of crude oil, the raw material used in their production. Fluctuations in global crude oil prices, often influenced by geopolitical events, economic conditions, and supply and demand dynamics, directly impact the prices of refined fuels like petrol and diesel. Higher crude oil prices inevitably lead to higher prices at the pump.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

India heavily relies on imports for its crude oil needs. Therefore, the exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar plays a crucial role in determining the cost of importing crude oil. A depreciating Rupee makes imports more expensive, resulting in higher petrol and diesel prices.

Taxation

Both the central and state governments impose various taxes on petrol and diesel, including excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), and other levies. The level of taxation can vary significantly across states, influencing the final price of fuel. These taxes constitute a substantial portion of the retail price of petrol and diesel, making them a significant factor affecting affordability.

Refining Costs

Refining crude oil into usable fuels like petrol and diesel involves intricate processes and significant costs. The efficiency of refineries, the type of crude oil used, and global refining costs can influence the final price of fuel.

Checking Petrol and Diesel Prices

Consumers can easily access the latest petrol and diesel prices through various means:

City-Wise Price Updates

OMCs typically publish city-wise price updates on their websites and mobile applications. This allows consumers to readily check the prices in their specific locations.

SMS Services

For added convenience, OMCs also offer SMS-based services that deliver price updates directly to consumers’ phones. For instance, Indian Oil customers can send an SMS with “RSP” followed by the city code to 9224992249, while BPCL customers can send “RSP” to 9223112222 and HPCL customers can send “HP Price” to 9222201122.

Takeaways

• Daily Fluctuations: Petrol and diesel prices in India change every day at 6:00 am, reflecting changes in global and domestic factors.
• Global Factors: Crude oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations play a significant role in determining fuel prices.
• Domestic Factors: Taxation and refining costs also influence the price of petrol and diesel in India.
• Price Transparency: OMCs provide readily accessible price information through their websites, apps, and SMS services.