Petrol and diesel prices hiked by ₹3 per litre, first major increase in over four years, to stem OMC losses.

Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre across all variants, marking the first major increase in over four years. This move aims to help state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) stem losses caused by global price and supply pressures due to the West Asia war. The price of regular petrol in Delhi is now ₹97.77 a litre, and diesel is ₹90.67 a litre. CNG prices also increased by ₹2 a kg. The Centre also imposed a windfall gains tax of ₹3 a litre on petrol exports, while reducing the levy on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ₹16.5 a litre, effective Saturday. Experts suggest a larger hike is needed to cover OMCs' under-recoveries fully.

Key Points

  • Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by ₹3 per litre, the first significant hike in over four years.
  • The hike aims to mitigate losses incurred by state-run Oil Marketing Companies due to global price and supply pressures.
  • The Centre also imposed a windfall gains tax of ₹3 per litre on petrol exports and adjusted levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel.
  • Experts indicate that the current hike is insufficient to fully cover the under-recoveries faced by OMCs.
  • The Union Petroleum Minister stated that OMCs were losing approximately ₹1,000 crore per day from combined sales of petrol, diesel, and LPG.

Exam Facts

  • Petrol and diesel prices increased by ₹3 per litre.
  • Regular petrol price in Delhi is now ₹97.77 a litre, and diesel is ₹90.67 a litre.
  • CNG prices were hiked by ₹2 a kg.
  • Windfall gains tax of ₹3 a litre imposed on petrol exports, effective Saturday.
  • Levy on diesel reduced to ₹16.5 a litre and aviation turbine fuel to ₹16 a litre.

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All current affairs of 16 May 2026