In a fresh development impacting select vehicle owners, prices of premium petrol variants have been increased by around ₹2–₹2.3 per litre across several cities in India. The revised rates reportedly came into effect from March 20, according to dealer inputs and media reports.
The hike applies to high-octane fuels such as XP95 offered by Indian Oil Corporation and Power petrol sold by Hindustan Petroleum.
Premium Fuel Prices See Sharp Jump
At several fuel stations, Indian Oil’s XP95 petrol is now priced at approximately ₹101.80 per litre. Similarly, Hindustan Petroleum’s Power petrol has witnessed a comparable increase, with prices going up by ₹2–₹2.3 per litre.
Fuel dealers confirmed that the exact hike varies slightly depending on the location, with some pumps reporting an increase of about ₹2.09 per litre.
Premium fuels, often referred to as high-octane petrol, are marketed as better-performing alternatives. They are designed to offer improved engine efficiency and smoother driving experience, and are typically used in high-end or performance-oriented vehicles.
Regular Petrol and Diesel Prices Remain Stable
Despite the increase in premium fuel rates, there has been no change in the prices of regular petrol and diesel. Rates for standard fuels continue to remain stable across major cities, providing relief to the majority of consumers.
This stability comes even as global crude oil prices have remained volatile in recent weeks.
Why Are Premium Fuel Prices Rising?
The price hike is being linked to rising global crude oil prices, which are currently hovering above $100 per barrel. Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about possible supply disruptions, pushing oil prices higher.
For India, which relies heavily on crude oil imports, this situation directly impacts fuel costs. Additionally, a weaker rupee has made imports more expensive, further increasing the financial burden on oil marketing companies.
Selective Hike Strategy by Oil Companies
Instead of increasing the prices of widely used fuels like regular petrol and diesel, oil companies appear to have adopted a targeted approach by raising prices only for premium variants.
This strategy allows them to partially offset rising costs without significantly affecting the general public, as premium fuels account for a smaller share of total fuel consumption.
Limited Impact on Common Consumers
Since the price hike is limited to premium petrol variants, its impact on the broader population is expected to be minimal. Most vehicle owners rely on regular petrol, which remains unchanged.
However, consumers using high-octane fuels like XP95 and Power petrol will experience a slight increase in their fuel expenses.
