Petrol and diesel prices rose by 90 paise per liter in the second hike in a week
Petrol and diesel prices were again raised by around 90 pa per liter across the country and across all variants on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) for the second time in five days.
With the latest hike, the prices of the two retail fuels increased by ₹ 3.90 per liter from Friday (May 15, 2026), when they were hiked by 3 liters after four years.
As of Tuesday (May 19, 2026), petrol price in Delhi increased by 87 paise to ₹ 98.64 per litre, while diesel increased by 91 paise to ₹ 91.58 per litre.
Gasoline and Diesel Price Increase Update May 15, 2026
The premium diesel variant i.e. XG of Indian Oil is now priced at ₹ 96.90 per liter after a 91 paise hike. While the high-octane variant of petrol i.e. XP95 has been hiked by 87 paise to ₹ 105.76 per litre.
The steepest rise in the price of the two retail fuels was observed in Kolkata, compared to peers Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Petrol price in Kolkata increased by 96 paise to ₹109.70 per litre. Meanwhile, diesel price soared by 94 paise to ₹96.07 per litre.
Almost similar trends, i.e. about 90 elevated rides, were also observed in the other metros.
Petrol prices in Mumbai rose by 91 paise and is now selling at ₹ 107.59 per litre. Diesel price increased by 94 paise to ₹94.08 per litre.
New price of petrol and diesel in big cities
CityPetrolDiesel New Delhi $98.64 $91.58 Mumbai $107.59 $94.08 Kolkata $109.70 $96.07 Chennai $104.49 $96.11 Als
Chennai woke up to 82 paise hike in petrol and 86 paise in diesel. They are now priced at ₹ 104.49 per liter and ₹ 96.11 per litre.
The latest hike is the second of such price hikes to signal pressure on the retail fuel as Brent crude futures continue to rise amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
India’s crude oil basket through May 15, 2026 averaged $106.69 a barrel since the start of the month, according to government data. Also, Brent (July) crude futures were trading 0.156% higher at $109.34 a barrel in the early hours on Tuesday.
On Monday (May 18, 2026), the government informed that losses suffered by oil companies from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), petrol and diesel combined fell by ₹ 250 crore to ₹ 750 crore following the ₹ 3 hike in petrol and diesel prices on 15 May.
It was also informed that till date the government has not considered any rescue package for oil trading companies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week urged fuel savings, work-from-home practices and travel restrictions as higher energy prices strain India’s foreign exchange reserves and threaten to widen the current account deficit for a third straight year.
Some state governments have already ordered ministries to limit travel, avoid physical meetings and work with reduced office staff.
Petrol and diesel prices were again raised by around 90 pa per liter across the country and across all variants on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) for the second time in five days.https://t.co/EGFuPqVWZzpic.twitter.com/mBE6Wlxwm7
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 19, 2026
Private fuel sellers have already raised pump prices. Nayara Energy, the country’s largest private fuel retailer, raised petrol prices by ₹5 per liter and diesel by ₹3 in March, while Shell increased petrol prices by ₹7.41 and diesel by ₹25 per liter from April 1. In Bengaluru, Shell sells petrol at ₹119.85 per liter and diesel at ₹12.13.2
LPG domestic cooking gas prices increased by ₹ 60 per cylinder in March, but are still much lower than the actual cost. Oil companies are losing ₹ 674 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder.
Industry sources said the price hike appeared to be calibrated – enough to partially ease pressure on oil companies’ margins without causing a major inflationary shock.
However, the increase will have some impact on inflation, they said.
India’s consumer price index (CPI) retail inflation rose to 3.48% in April 2026 from 3.40% in March, while wholesale price inflation (WPI) rose to 8.3%, a 42-month high, driven by a sharp rise in fuel and energy prices on higher global oil rates.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – 19 May 2026 06:36 IST