Diesel demand more than doubles in six districts, petrol in fourteen districts: Official

Representative image. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

Fourteen districts in the country saw double demand for petrol while six districts saw the same for diesel, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Union Petroleum Ministry, told reporters at an inter-ministerial briefing on the situation in West Asia on Friday (May 29, 2026).

Ms. Sharma informed that around 150 districts across the country have seen more than thirty percent increase in petrol sales, while 156 districts have seen a similar increase in diesel.

“There are about 150 districts where more than thirty percent growth in petrol sales has been observed, with about 14 districts seeing more than hundred percent growth,” she said, adding, “In terms of diesel, 156 districts have seen more than thirty percent growth and six districts have seen hundred percent growth.

According to the government, the escalating sales stem from increased demand with the start of the agricultural season, bulk diesel consumers shifting to purchase from the retail segment due to the price differential, and consumers increasingly opting for state-run OMCs over private ones.

In separate press statements, the government informed that sales of petrol and diesel in Maharashtra increased by 17.24% and 27.25% in the current month till May 28, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

During the same period, diesel retail sales grew by 19.36% in South Goa and 14.27% in North Goa.

Published – 29 May 2026 20:22 IST