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Informist, Thursday, May 21, 2026

 

--Govt: See petrol, diesel purchase increased at some retail pumps 

--Govt: Rise in petrol, diesel demand at retail pumps as commercials shifting

--Govt: Commercial petrol, diesel users shifting to retail pumps on price gap 

--CONTEXT: Govt officials briefing media on West Asia war 

--Govt: Ensuring supply of petrol, diesel at all retail pumps 

--Govt: Urge consumers to avoid petrol, diesel purchase beyond requirement 

 

NEW DELHI – After repeatedly saying that no dry-outs have been reported at retail fuel stations, the government Thursday confirmed for the first time that dry-outs have been reported in some areas due to a rise in demand for petrol and diesel by 20-30%, with commercial users shifting to retail pumps given the price difference. "The ministry has analysed the sudden spike in demand and has found that some of it is owing to agricultural demand and some because of bulk consumers shifting to retail pumps," Sujata Sharma, additional secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said. 

 

Prices of petrol and diesel for commercial sale are unregulated and are linked to international crude oil prices, which have surged around 60% since the war in West Asia broke out on Feb. 28. The prices, which are generally reviewed every fortnight, have been increased accordingly. However, oil marketing companies kept the prices of petrol and diesel for retail use unchanged until Friday. 

 

The hike in prices of petrol and diesel for retail use was also a meagre INR 4 per litre, as against the market's expectation of an increase of INR 20-INR 25 per litre. This has pushed users of commercial petrol and diesel to retail outlets due to the price differential. 

 

"Some consumers are also shifting from private pumps to state-owned companies' pumps to take advantage of lower, regulated prices," Sharma said. Since the war broke out, Brent crude oil prices have surged around 60% and were around $105 per barrel on Thursday.

 

Earlier in the day, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. said in a post on X that it is facing pressure on logistics due to higher demand from commercial sales and private petrol pump sales moving to retail outlets. The oil marketing company had said this, responding to reports of dry-outs at pumps across various locations, including Ranchi.  "We are committed to maintain smooth supply chain logistics for petrol and diesel," Indian Oil said, adding that its team "is trying to address" the concerns. 

 

According to Sharma, the ministry, along with oil marketing companies, is making every effort to replenish stocks at pumps facing dry-outs and is trying to ensure the supply of petrol and diesel is maintained at every retail outlet. She urged consumers to avoid panic-buying and refrain from making purchases of fuel beyond their requirements.  End

 

US$1 = INR 96.20

 

Reported by Priyasmita Dutta

Edited by Avishek Dutta

 

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