PETROL CROSSES ₹104 IN CHENNAI, ₹109 IN KOLKATA — INDIA’S WORST FUEL SHOCK IN FOUR YEARS HITS EVERY HOUSEHOLD
India witnessed another major fuel price hike as petrol and diesel prices increased for the second time within a week. Petrol crossed ₹104 in Chennai and ₹109 in Kolkata, while diesel prices also rose sharply in major cities.
The back-to-back hikes have increased monthly expenses for families, auto drivers, and transport operators. Consumers are now paying over ₹4 extra per litre compared to last week, making it the steepest weekly increase in four years.
Rising fuel prices are expected to impact grocery costs, transportation charges, and household budgets across the country, especially in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi, and West Bengal where fuel rates remain among the highest.
DETAILS OF THE PRICE HIKE
Fuel prices increased across all metro cities after oil companies revised rates again on May 19. In Delhi, petrol rose to ₹98.64 and diesel to ₹91.58 per litre. Mumbai petrol touched ₹107.59, while Kolkata recorded the highest petrol price at ₹109.70. Chennai petrol climbed to ₹104.49 and diesel to ₹96.11. Tamil Nadu consumers are facing additional pressure due to higher state VAT and transportation charges in interior cities like Madurai and Coimbatore. The latest increase follows the ₹3 per litre hike announced on May 15, taking the total increase to more than ₹4 within seven days and severely affecting commuters and transport businesses.
WHY ARE FUEL PRICES RISING?
The price surge is mainly linked to the ongoing global crude oil crisis caused by tensions in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transport, has faced major disruptions after conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. This reduced global oil supply and pushed crude oil prices above $110 per barrel. India, which imports a large share of its crude oil from Gulf countries, has been heavily affected by the shortage. Oil marketing companies reportedly absorbed heavy losses for several weeks before increasing prices. Experts say delayed revisions and rising international crude rates made the latest fuel hike unavoidable for Indian consumers.
IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE
The fuel price hike is affecting every section of society, especially transport workers, farmers, and middle-class families. Auto and taxi drivers are now spending significantly more on fuel each day, forcing many to consider fare hikes. Truck operators have warned of higher freight charges, which could increase prices of vegetables, groceries, cement, and essential goods in markets. Farmers using diesel-powered tractors and irrigation pumps are also struggling with rising cultivation costs. Economists warn that fuel inflation may soon impact food prices and household expenses across India. Many families say the extra money spent on petrol and diesel is reducing spending on education, groceries, and savings.
WILL PRICES RISE AGAIN?
Experts warn that fuel prices may continue rising if global crude oil prices remain high in the coming weeks. Oil companies are still recovering losses caused by weeks of frozen prices despite rising import costs. Analysts believe current hikes are only a partial correction and further increases are possible if crude remains above $110 per barrel. In a worst-case scenario, petrol prices in Chennai and Mumbai could move closer to ₹115–₹120 per litre. However, relief is possible if Middle East tensions reduce or if the Indian government cuts excise duties again. Consumers are advised to check daily fuel prices announced every morning by oil marketing companies.