Petrol and diesel prices hike LIVE: ‘Very small rise, working round-the-clock to ensure no shortage’, says IOCL director

Farmers said the hike in diesel and petrol prices will put additional burden on the farmers in Andhra Pradesh.

“Already farmers are facing problems with hike in labour charges and investment cost. Now, the increase in fuel prices will cause losses to agriculture farmers,” a paddy farmer P. Mallikharjuna Rao said.

An aqua farmer, C. Mohan Rao of Nagayalanka village in Krishna district, said the hike in fuel prices will have an effect on aquaculture in the State.

“Aqua farmers need diesel for running aerators regularly to maintain Oxygen levels in shrimp and fish tanks. Hike in fuel prices is worrying the farmers in AP,” says Mr. Mohan Rao. -- Rajulapudi Srinivas

The mechanized fishing industry faces a severe crisis as fuel costs spiral. 

Vasupalli Janakiram, national president of the East Coast Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association, highlights that a single boat requires 10,000 litres of diesel monthly. With the recent decision, the price has additionally increased by ₹3 per litre. This shift translates to a staggering additional burden of ₹30,000 per month per vessel. For many operators, this overhead exceeds the value of their catch, turning a traditional livelihood into a mounting debt, threatening the survival of the coastal fishing community. -- V. Kamalakara Rao

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (May 15, 2026) slammed the Modi government over the fuel price hike, alleging an economic crisis in the country due to the government’s “leadership crisis, lack of vision and incompetence”.

In a post on X, he said, this crisis is a government-made crisis, the consequences of which the people of the country are bearing out of their own pockets on petrol, diesel, and LPG.

“The people of the country must understand that, along with the international fuel crisis, the major reason for the economic crisis in India at this time is the Modi government’s leadership crisis, lack of vision, and rampant incompetence,” he alleged.- PTI

Major reason for economic crisis in India is Modi Government’s leadership crisis: Kharge after fuel hike

Congress president Kharge blames Modi government's leadership crisis for India's economic turmoil and recent fuel price hikes.

An alleged restriction in fuel distribution by some of the oil marketing companies in the wake of the latest price hike has sparked concern among petrol pump owners across northern Kerala districts, with many dealers warning that continued disruption could force them to suspend operations temporarily.

Operators in Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram districts said many outlets were facing unforeseen disruption in fuel supply, leading to uncertainty over regular operations. Some dealers in Kozhikode alleged that supply restrictions were in place soon after reports emerged about the increase in fuel prices. -- The Hindu Bureau

Fuel delivery delays spark concerns across northern Kerala districts

Fuel delivery delays in northern Kerala raise concerns among dealers, threatening operations and impacting essential services amid rising prices.

Shares of oil marketing companies and paint manufacturers declined up to 3% in early trade on Friday (May 15, 2026) after petrol and diesel prices were increased by ₹3 per litre across the country.

The fuel price hike, the first in more than four years, amid mounting losses suffered by fuel retailers due to elevated global crude oil prices.

On the BSE, shares of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd declined 2.71%, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd dipped 2.39%, Indian Oil Corporation fell 1.85%.

The stock of paint manufacturers, which use crude-linked derivatives as key raw materials, also traded lower. Indigo Paints declined 1.36%, Asian Paints slipped 0.42%, and Berger Paints India fell 0.14%.

Analysts said the modest increase in retail fuel prices failed to fully offset concerns around elevated crude costs and put pressure on market margins.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 1.23% to $107.02 per barrel.

“The sharp increase in petrol, diesel, and CNG prices reflects the direct impact of the escalating West Asia energy crisis and supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz,” Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said. -- PTI

For Keralites, the elation of finally getting a Chief Minister after a ten-day long sordid drama was tempered by the jolt of a fuel price hike announced by State-owned oil companies, which came into effect on Friday at 6 a.m.

In Ernakulam and surrounding regions, diesel prices rose by ₹3.26 and petrol by ₹3.16, with a further revision not ruled out within a fortnight. Anticipating the hike, many vehicle owners had filled their tanks the previous night.

“There is no shortage of fuel stock at petrol pumps at the moment. However, oil companies no longer insist on maintaining the mandatory three-day stock, which has now been relaxed to two days,” said Tomy Thomas, President of the All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders. -- The HIndu Bureau

Fuel price surge jolts Kerala as people brace for all-round price rise

Kerala faces a fuel price surge, raising concerns about rising costs for essential commodities and livelihoods amid economic strain.

Terming the petrol and diesel price hike as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “gift”, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday (May 14, 2026) said the country has come to a “tragic situation.” He also criticised the PM’s call for fuel saving, postponement of gold purchases, among other measures to spend wisely.

Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre each on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices in the wake of the West Asia conflict.

The increase comes 16 days after Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

“Petrol and diesel price hike is Modi’s gift. He has failed in international relationships. He has not maintained a good relationship with anyone in the neighbourhood. Now he is asking people of the country to limit the petrol use, not to purchase gold, minimise edible oil consumption. How can it be stopped or limited,” Mr. Shivakumar asked.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “It cannot be done. The country has come to a tragic situation. We have to save and protect this country.” People earn, and lead their lives accordingly. “No one can be controlled. It should be ensured that people lead their lives smoothly with whatever they have,” he further said. -- PTI

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) refineries are currently operating at more than 100 per cent capacity to ensure there is no shortage of fuel at retail outlets following a marginal rise in domestic petrol and diesel prices. 

Speaking about the hike in fuel prices, Arvind Kumar, Director (Refineries), IOCL, told ANI that amid global pressures, “it is a very small rise.” “It’s a very small rise, and you know a lot of pressure is there. But I can tell you that Indian Oils Group companies, 10 refineries are working round the clock and more than 100% capacity so that there will be no crisis, no dry out at any of our retail outlets....let us come together to save fuel and in this emergency time and this critical time,” Mr. Kumar said.

To address the long-term pressure on petroleum products, IOCL is also focusing on alternative energy solutions. The company has provided two hydrogen-powered buses to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for transit between Central Secretariat and Seva Teeth Metro stations and key government establishments in the Central Vista region. These buses serve as a symbolic shift toward zero-emission public transport.

“These are hydrogen buses. Two buses have been given by Indonoyal to DMRC for moving from this central sector area to the Kartabbey building. This is an indication that Indonoyal is fully sensitive towards the environment. And in this scenario, also when a lot of pressure is there from the Gulf crisis, hydrogen buses and most important thing is that it has a zero emissions,” Mr Kumar added. -- ANI

AAP, Congress and SAD on Friday (May 15, 2026) attacked the Centre over the petrol and diesel price hike, saying it will deliver a crippling blow to the common man and adversely impact farmers.

Punjab Finance Minister and senior AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema said the move showed the ruling BJP’s “anti-farmer and anti-people face”.

“The central government increases petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre and then gives a marginal MSP increase of just ₹72 per quintal on paddy. This is a direct assault on farmers’ incomes. By giving a token MSP hike and raising diesel prices the very next day, the BJP government has effectively robbed farmers of their rightful compensation,” he said in a post on X.

“BJP’s anti-farmer and anti-people face is now visible to everyone,” Mr. Cheema added.

Slamming the Centre, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, “The Modi government first lectures citizens to ‘use less cars’, then runs PR campaigns showing smaller PM convoys, and now quietly hikes petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre”.

“So this was the real script behind the drama?” Warring said in a post on X.

“Farmers will pay more. Truck operators will pay more. Middle-class families will pay more. Every essential item will become expensive again. The truth is simple — BJP doesn’t reduce inflation, it manages headlines. ‘Abki Baar, Petrol ₹100 Paar’,” Mr. Warring said in the post. -- PTI

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Friday slammed the Congress for criticising the Centre after petrol and diesel prices were hiked across India in the wake of the West Asia conflict. 

Mr. Bhandari accused Congress of politicising the issue when the world is facing an energy crisis. He claimed that India is witnessing about a 3.5% hike in fuel prices, less than several countries across the globe. The BJP leader defended the price hike, citing the Brent crude price, which is hovering over $100 per barrel.

Mr. Bhandari wrote on X, “The Congress Party should be ashamed of itself to politicise everything! Congress is a party which always looks at political opportunity in any global crisis, only to have egg on their face! Despite Brent crude staying above $100/barrel and fuel prices surging globally after the Strait of Hormuz crisis, India has seen only a ~3.5 per cent increase in petrol & diesel prices after 76 days of stable prices!”

“Compare that to: Pakistan: +55%, Malaysia: +56%, US: +45%, UAE: +52%, China +23%, France +31%. This is a time for economic patriotism. 140 crore Indians are with PM Narendra Modi Ji & Congress yet again is getting exposed because of its desperate politics,” the X post read. -- ANI

Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Nadendla Manohar has said that the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) had to increase prices of petrol and diesel due to the geopolitical situation. 

He pointed out that the OMCs were bearing the brunt of the West Asia war as it affected crude oil prices, which soared to more than $100 a barrel. The volatility in the global markets also resulted in tightened supply of the motor fuels, he observed. 

Speaking to The Hindu, on Friday, Mr. Manohar said “To meet the crisis, the Andhra Pradesh government is taking steps to increase ethanol blending and encouraging measures like car pooling to cut down the fuel consumption to some extent”. -- The Hindu Bureau

Former Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M)’s Polit Bureau member, Pinarayi Vijayan, has termed the Central Government-initiated hike in fuel prices as a treachery of public welfare. 

In a statement in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Vijayan said that by significantly raising petrol and diesel prices, the Centre had further injured people reeling under a cost-of-living crisis. 

He said the high price of diesel would increase freight charges, which would, consequently, jack up the prices of essential commodities. Commuters would have to shell out more for daily travel. Seller inflation might spiral out of control. -- The Hindu Bureau

Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centre for hiking fuel prices

Pinarayi Vijayan criticizes the Centre for fuel price hikes, claiming it harms public welfare and exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis.

Transport operators in West Bengal on Friday (May 15, 2026) said the fuel price hike would increase the overall freight cost by around 3%, and urged the government to ensure that traders cannot increase product prices disproportionately.

Kolkata witnessed the steepest fuel price hike among the four metros, with petrol price rising by ₹3.29 to ₹108.74 per litre and diesel going up by ₹3.11 to ₹95.13 per litre.

In Delhi, petrol prices increased by ₹3 to ₹97.77 per litre and diesel to ₹90.67.

Petrol in Mumbai now costs ₹106.68 a litre and diesel comes for ₹93.14 per litre, while in Chennai, prices increased to ₹103.67 for petrol and ₹95.25 for diesel.

Rates vary across states due to differences in value-added tax.

All India Transporters’ Welfare Association joint secretary Sunil Agarwal told PTI that the hike was “quite expected” in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, and estimated, “The rise will have around 3 per cent impact on freight costs”.

“In the overall transport cost, the impact will be fractional. However, the government should ensure that traders do not increase prices of products disproportionately in view of the fuel price hike,” he said. -- PTI

Fuel prices in Bengaluru have been increased on Friday (May 15, 2026), after oil marketing companies increased rates across all categories. Petrol now costs ₹106.17 per litre, up from ₹102.92, reflecting a rise of ₹3.27. Similarly, diesel prices have increased by ₹3.12, moving from ₹90.99 to ₹94.10 per litre.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has also become costlier, with prices going up by ₹2 per kg. The revised rate now stands at ₹77.09 per kg.

Meanwhile, fuel sold by private retailers continues to be more expensive. During the previous month, amid tensions in West Asia, private companies had already raised prices in the city. In a private outlet in Bengaluru, regular unleaded petrol (ULP) is priced at ₹119.92 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) costs ₹123.51 per litre. Premium variants are even costlier, with petrol retailing at ₹129.92 per litre and diesel at ₹133.51 per litre. -- The Hindu Bureau

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal lashed out at the government for hiking the prices of petrol and diesel. 

In the X post, Mr. Venugopal said “When global crude oil prices plummeted, the Modi Government pocketed billions in profits, and now — 3 months after a completely predictable crisis — the public is being forced to absorb the pain.”

He added “This government’s crisis management is only to save Adani from prosecution, not to save the common public from economic shocks.”

“The people are completely fed up with this regime and its mismanagement.”

Petrol price touched ₹110.90 at the Bharat Petroleum fuel station in Ameerpet in Hyderabad on Friday (May 15, 2026) after oil-marketing companies increased the price by ₹3 across all variants. “By the time we reached for our duty at 7 a.m., we have the new price. Earlier it was ₹107.51. So the price is up by ₹3.39 paise,” said the person manning the fuel dispenser. -- The Hindu Bureau

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday (May 15, 2026) defended the Centre’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices, saying the global conflict and ongoing energy crisis have impacted fuel rates across the world, while asserting that the Narendra Modi-led government had protected citizens from major economic shocks.

Speaking on the hike in fuel prices, Mr. Ghosh said the increase had been kept to a minimum despite difficult global circumstances. “For the past 3 years, a war has been going on in the world. Due to this, various types of crises have arisen in other countries. Prime Minister Modi has not let any harm come to us. Only the price of gas has increased. At least the price has been increased to the minimum,” Mr. Ghosh told reporters. -- ANI

In her X post, Sagarika Ghose said “How Modinomics works: when global crude prices were low, don’t pass on the benefit to the consumer.”

She added “When elections are on, don’t say a word on energy shortage. Elections over: fuel prices hiked. Meanwhile frequent flyer @narendramodi off for a foreign holiday to cooler climes. Janta trast. PM Mast.”

MS prices

Delhi 97.77 (+3.00)

Kolkata 108.74 (+3.29)

Mumbai 106.68 (+3.14)

Chennai 103.67 (+2.83)

HSD prices

Delhi 90.67 (+3.00)

Kolkata 95.13 (+3.11)

Mumbai 93.14 (+3.11)

Chennai 95.25 (+2.86)

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary (communication) said “For years when international oil prices were soft or declining, the Indian National Congress had been urging that those benefits should be passed on to Indian consumers and that domestic prices of gas, petrol, and diesel should be reduced. That, however, did not happen and consumers were fleeced.”

Mr. Ramesh added “Now that international oil prices are climbing up because of the war in West Asia unleashed by the PM’s good friends — the U.S. and Israel — and Assembly elections are over, the Modi Govt has increased petrol and diesel prices after having hiked commercial LPG prices earlier. This is bound to lead to further inflation that is now projected to be close to 6% for this financial year. Growth estimates will be lowered considerably.” -- The Hindu Bureau

Will lead to further inflation, growth estimates will be lowered considerably: Congress on fuel hike

Congress criticizes the Modi government for fuel price hikes, warning of rising inflation and lowered growth estimates.

Amidst pressure on fuel supplies originating because of the conflict in West Asia and related concerns over under-recoveries, oil-marketing companies Friday (May 15, 2026) morning hiked prices of petrol and diesel by ₹3 across all variants.

That is, the latest price hikes extend to both the regular variants of petrol and diesel alongside the premium and high-octane products.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹3 across all variants

Petrol and diesel prices rise by ₹3 per litre, reflecting increased global energy costs.