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Diesel Demand Surges in India Amid Rising Global Crude Prices and Festive Season
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News18•17-10-2026, 23:54
Diesel Demand Surges in India Amid Rising Global Crude Prices and Festive Season
- •Diesel sales by state-run oil companies rose to 36.5 lakh metric tonnes during the first 15 days of October.
- •Festive season demand and agricultural irrigation needs are the primary drivers behind the surge in diesel consumption.
- •State-run oil companies continue to sell fuel below market prices, absorbing a loss of about 20 rupees per liter.
Key Questions Answered
Diesel demand in India spiked due to increased freight transport and truck movement for the festive season, alongside high agricultural demand as farmers used diesel-fueled generators for irrigation.
State-run oil companies like Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have kept pump prices unchanged since May, absorbing a loss of approximately 20 rupees on every single liter of diesel sold to retail consumers.
Fuel sold at state-run petrol pumps is cheaper, with private retailers like Nayra Energy and Reliance Industries selling petrol and diesel at prices higher by 3 rupees and 5 rupees respectively.
