Petrol & Diesel Prices Today in India: Latest City-Wise Rates
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- 5 min read
Fuel costs are the heartbeat of the Indian economy, influencing everything from the price of your morning milk to the logistics of e-commerce deliveries. As of Monday, April 6, 2026, millions of commuters and businesses are keeping a close eye on the screens at fuel stations. Understanding the current landscape of Petrol & Diesel Prices Today in India is crucial for budgeting and financial planning in an era of global energy shifts.
Despite a backdrop of intense international volatility and rising crude benchmarks, the domestic front presents a picture of strategic stability. State-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have made a concerted effort to shield the common man from the brunt of global price spikes, ensuring that the "wheels of India" keep turning without an immediate inflationary shock.
Current Fuel Price Overview: April 6, 2026
The start of the week brings a sense of relief for motorists. Petrol and diesel rates have remained steady across major metropolitan hubs. While global crude oil has seen significant fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia—specifically involving US-Israel-Iran dynamics—Indian OMCs like IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL have held the line.
This stability is not a coincidence but a result of a "counter-cyclical leverage model." By absorbing losses during high-price cycles and recovering margins when global rates soften, OMCs act as a buffer for the domestic market.
Fuel Prices in Major Metro Cities (April 6, 2026)
Below is the breakdown of the latest retail selling prices (RSP) in India's top five metros:
City | Petrol (per Litre) | Diesel (per Litre) |
|---|---|---|
New Delhi | ₹94.77 | ₹87.67 |
Mumbai | ₹103.50 | ₹90.03 |
Kolkata | ₹105.41 | ₹92.02 |
Chennai | ₹100.84 | ₹92.39 |
Bengaluru | ₹102.92 | ₹90.99 |
City-Wise Rates for Other Key Locations
The price of fuel in India is not uniform; it varies significantly from one state to another. This disparity is primarily due to the Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by state governments and local freight charges. For instance, while consumers in Delhi benefit from lower local taxes, those in Hyderabad or Jaipur often pay a premium.
Hyderabad: Petrol is priced at ₹107.46, and diesel at ₹95.70.
Jaipur: Petrol stands at ₹104.88, while diesel is ₹90.36.
Lucknow: Petrol is ₹94.69, and diesel is ₹87.81.
Patna: Petrol costs ₹105.18, with diesel at ₹92.04.
Chandigarh: Petrol is ₹94.30, and diesel is ₹82.45.
Port Blair: Known for having some of the lowest rates in the country, petrol here is ₹82.46 and diesel is ₹78.05.
The 2026 Market Dynamics: Why Prices are Stable
You might wonder why, with global news headlines screaming about oil supply disruptions, your local petrol pump hasn't changed its digits. The answer lies in the Petrol & Diesel Prices 2026 strategy adopted by the Union Government and OMCs.
1. The Excise Duty Shield
In late March 2026, the Government of India announced a decisive cut in excise duty to prevent a retail price explosion. The duty on petrol was slashed to ₹3 per litre, while the duty on diesel was effectively brought down to zero. This move acts as a "price stabilization tool," allowing OMCs to keep retail rates unchanged even as their own "under-recoveries" (losses) mount.
2. Under-Recoveries and OMC Losses
As of April 2026, OMCs are reportedly incurring a loss of nearly ₹24.40 per litre on petrol and over ₹100 per litre on diesel at the wholesale level compared to international benchmarks. However, the government has prioritized inflation control over immediate fiscal recovery for these companies.
3. Diversified Sourcing
India has expanded its energy basket significantly. From importing oil from 27 countries a decade ago, India now sources crude from over 41 nations. This diversification, including the continued intake of discounted Russian oil, has provided the necessary leverage to keep the domestic Petrol & Diesel Prices Today in India from skyrocketing.
Premium Fuel Updates: A Different Story
While regular "91-octane" petrol and standard diesel remain stable, users of premium fuels are seeing a different trend. Premium variants—targeted at luxury vehicles and performance bikes—operate on a fortnightly revision cycle and are not shielded by the same price caps as regular fuel.
Recent reports indicate that IOCL’s XP100, a high-octane premium petrol, saw a sharp hike of ₹11, now retailing at a staggering ₹160 per litre in the national capital. Similarly, "Xtra Green" diesel and other branded fuels have seen marginal increases. If you drive a high-performance vehicle, checking the latest rates for these specific variants is essential.
Factors Influencing Petrol & Diesel Prices 2026
Understanding the fuel bill involves looking at several moving parts. The final price you pay at the pump is a combination of:
Base Price: The cost of crude oil + refinery processing charges.
Central Excise Duty: A flat tax levied by the Union Government.
Dealer Commission: The margin paid to the petrol pump owner.
State VAT: A percentage-based tax that varies by state (e.g., Telangana has one of the highest VAT rates in India).
Freight Charges: The cost of transporting fuel from refineries to retail outlets.
The GST Debate
A frequent question in 2026 remains: When will petrol come under GST? Currently, fuel is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax. Including it would likely standardize prices nationwide, potentially bringing rates down to a range of ₹75–₹85 depending on the slab. However, since fuel taxes are a primary revenue source for states, a consensus in the GST Council remains elusive.
How to Check Live Fuel Rates in Your City
Prices are updated every morning at 6:00 AM. To ensure you have the most accurate data for your specific locality, you don't need to drive to the station. You can check the Petrol & Diesel Prices Today in India using these official methods:
SMS Service:
IOCL: Send "RSP " to 92249 92249. (e.g., For Delhi, SMS "RSP 102090").
BPCL: Send "SmartDrive " to 92231 12222.
HPCL: Send "HPPRICE " to 92222 01122.
Mobile Apps: Download the Fuel@IOCL, SmartDrive (BPCL), or HP Pay apps for real-time tracking and loyalty rewards.
Impact on the Common Man and the Economy
Stable fuel prices are a lifeline for the middle class. When diesel prices remain capped, the cost of transporting vegetables, grains, and essential goods stays under control. If diesel were allowed to reflect the true global market price in April 2026 (estimated to be near ₹190 per litre without subsidies), the resulting hyper-inflation would be devastating.
The government's decision to maintain current rates, despite the fiscal strain on OMCs, highlights a "People-First" approach to energy security in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are Petrol & Diesel Prices Today in India different in every city?
Fuel prices vary across cities because each state government levies a different Value Added Tax (VAT). Additionally, the distance of a city from the nearest oil refinery or depot adds varying freight costs to the final retail price.
2. Has there been any recent change in the excise duty on fuel?
Yes, in March 2026, the central government reduced the excise duty on petrol to ₹3/litre and diesel to zero to shield consumers from rising global crude oil prices caused by the West Asia crisis.
3. What is the price of premium petrol like XP100 today?
As of April 6, 2026, premium petrol such as IOCL’s XP100 is retailing at approximately ₹160 per litre in New Delhi. Premium fuels are revised more frequently than regular fuels.
4. Will petrol prices decrease if they are brought under GST?
If the GST Council decides to bring fuel under the 28% GST slab, it is expected that prices would become uniform across India and potentially decrease from current levels, though a final decision has not yet been reached.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of fuel costs requires staying updated with accurate data. While global markets remain in a state of flux, the domestic stability of Petrol & Diesel Prices Today in India offers a much-needed reprieve for the Indian consumer. Whether you are a daily commuter in Mumbai or a transporter in Lucknow, knowing these rates helps you manage your finances better.
Stay informed, stay ahead. For more updates on the Indian economy and energy sector, bookmark our page.
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