Fuel Pain Deepens: Petrol, Diesel Hiked by Over ₹2 in Fourth Increase in Two Weeks

In a major blow to the common man, fuel prices across India were hiked once again on Monday, marking the fourth steep increase in less than two weeks.

With the latest revision, petrol has become dearer by ₹2.61 per litre, while diesel prices have surged by ₹2.71 per litre. The rapid succession of hikes has triggered widespread concern among consumers, businesses, and transport operators who are already grappling with inflationary pressures.

The Breakdown of the Hikes

This latest round of increases completes a relentless 12-day upward trajectory for fuel rates. Collectively, consumers are now paying nearly ₹7.50 more per litre than they were just two weeks ago.

The cumulative math of the four consecutive hikes reveals a staggering jump:

1. Petrol Total Increase: ₹7.45 per litre
2. (Calculated as: ₹3.00 + ₹0.90 + ₹0.94 + ₹2.61)
3. Diesel Total Increase: ₹7.52 per litre
4. (Calculated as: ₹3.00 + ₹0.90 + ₹0.91 + ₹2.71)

Growing Pressure on Household Budgets

The aggressive rate revisions are expected to have a severe cascading effect on the domestic economy. Beyond the direct hit to daily commuters and private vehicle owners, the sharp spike in diesel prices—the primary fuel for commercial transport—is set to drive up freight and logistics costs.

"Every time diesel prices go up, it directly impacts the transportation of essential goods like vegetables, milk, and medicine," said an industry analyst. "We are likely to see a corresponding rise in retail inflation over the coming weeks, squeezing household budgets even further."

Global Factors at Play

State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have attributed the frequent price adjustments to ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Fluctuations in international crude oil prices, combined with currency exchange variations, have kept import costs high, forcing domestic retail rates upward.

While global markets remain unpredictable, the immediate reality for Indian consumers remains challenging, as they brace for a cost-of-living squeeze amidst these historic fuel price surges.