Fresh fuel price hike slows business at Chittoor petrol depots near TN, Karnataka border
The hike in fresh fuel prices has catapulted petrol and diesel prices higher at the tri-state junction of Chittoor district, with petrol now hovering around ₹113 per liter and diesel at ₹100 per liter in most cities, highways and border pumps. The overnight development is felt not only as a sudden shock for consumers, but also for petrol pump operators.
In many places in the erstwhile Chittoor district, from Kuppam to Satyaveda, petrol stations report that even before Friday’s (May 15, 2026) hike, customers were already filling up locally, but only out of necessity. In border towns like Nagari, Kuppam, V.Kota, Palamaner and Madanapalle, petrol tanks appear differently. “We have to plan ahead and switch to Tamil Nadu or Karnataka where fuel is still cheaper by a few rupees per litre,” said Karthik Vinayagam, 34, a truck driver working for a transport company in Trichy, commuting between Theni and Bhubaneshwar.
The owner of a petrol tank in Nagari, Ramesh, located just a few kilometers from the Tamil Nadu border, said the change is harder to ignore. “Earlier, we used to have a steady flow throughout the day. Now, after every price hike, we see fewer vehicles and drivers simply prefer two or three liters in the hope of crossing to Tamil Nadu. It is a crucial decision for the public and also for the transporters as the savings are a lifesaver,” he said.
Vendors across the district say the problem is no longer temporary. The price gap has slowly changed customer behavior and motorway stations in particular are feeling the pressure with reduced sales and uneven demand throughout the day, impacting cross-state fuel trade. — K. Umashanker
