People refuel their cars at a petrol pump in Bengaluru. Petrol and diesel prices rose by ₹3 a liter each, the first increase in over four years, amid mounting losses at fuel retailers due to soaring global oil prices May 15, 2026 | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
Residents, commuters, taxi drivers and gig workers in Bengaluru on Friday expressed anger and concern after fuel prices saw a sharp rise across categories, raising fears of further rise in transport and daily living costs.
Fuel prices in Bengaluru were revised on Friday, with petrol now costing ₹106.17 per liter after an increase of ₹3.21 per litre. Diesel prices also rose by ₹ 3.11 per litre, taking the revised price to ₹ 94.10 per litre.
Meanwhile, fuels sold by private retailers are becoming more expensive. During the previous month, amid tensions in West Asia, private companies had already raised prices in the city. At a private outlet in Bengaluru, regular unleaded petrol (ULP) costs ₹119.92 per litre, while high speed diesel (HSD) costs ₹123.51 per litre. The premium variants are even more expensive, with petrol selling at ₹129.92 per liter and diesel at ₹133.51 per litre.
Petrol, diesel prices rise LIVE: ‘Vote first, then hike prices’, Congress attacks Modi
The sudden increase has sparked widespread frustration among citizens who say the increase will worsen the financial burden on middle-class families already struggling with rising prices of essentials.
Prakash K., a resident of JP Nagar 4th Phase, said the hike was unfair at a time when households were already struggling with inflation and rising food prices. “Prices of vegetables, food and other basic commodities have already skyrocketed over the past few months. Now that fuel prices are rising again, transportation costs will also rise and this will eventually affect the prices of almost every product in the market,” he said.
Ramya Shekar, a resident of Seshadripuram, said the hike in fuel prices will have a direct impact on commuters who rely on taxis and autorickshaws for daily travel. “Taxi and auto fare in Bengaluru is already expensive as compared to previous years and now this hike in fuel prices will become another reason for transporters to hike fares. Common people who travel daily for work or other needs will be forced to spend more every month. Many people feel that these hikes are being delayed till the elections are over in various states, creating an impression that the public is being deceived,” she said.
Auto drivers and taxi drivers who depend on CNG vehicles have also expressed concern over the rise in gas prices and the continued shortage of CNG supply in parts of the city.
Manjunath HS, a taxi driver from Kengeri, said the hike has worsened the hardships drivers were already facing. “There is already a shortage of CNG and LPG in several places and drivers are forced to wait in long queues for refills. Now that prices are also rising, it has become an additional burden for us. We cannot continue to raise fares because customers will stop ordering rides, but at the same time our costs are constantly increasing. Drivers and passengers will suffer from this decision,” he said.
Gigu workers also expressed concern about declining monthly savings amid rising operating costs. Vikram Kumar, managing director of Koramanagala-based food delivery, said fuel cost forms a major part of their daily expenses and the latest hike will have a direct impact on their earnings.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain with the current incentives paid by delivery platforms. We may now have to complete more deliveries every day just to maintain the same monthly income. Companies should consider increasing payments or incentives for delivery workers because otherwise many of us will struggle to manage our expenses,” he said.
Published – 15 May 2026 17:04 IST
