Parwinder Sandhu
New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Amid the recent increase in premium petrol prices by oil marketing companies, linked to the geopolitical tensions in West Asia affecting global fuel supply, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday clarified that the hike does not impact the “common man”, stressing that “only in the premium category there is some increase and that is hardly 2–4 per cent of the entire petrol which is sold every day”.
Premium petrol, often referred to as high-octane or performance fuel, is designed to enhance engine efficiency and deliver better mileage. It is mainly used in luxury, sports, and other high-performance vehicles.
State-run oil major Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has raised the price of its premium-grade petrol by ₹2 per litre, with the new rates taking effect from Friday. While the company has not officially cited a reason for the revision, industry observers suggest it may be linked to volatility in global crude markets and shifting logistics costs amid tensions between Iran and the United States.
Earlier in a post on X, HPCL wrote, “There is no disruption in crude oil supply. Additional cargoes are already on the way and will further strengthen India’s supply position in the coming days. Avoid rumours. Trust official updates.”
Addressing the issue, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said that the revised premium petrol prices come into effect on March 20, 2026, while clarifying that the increase does not affect regular consumers.
“So all these things impact us and all the efforts of diversification are being taken. In case of petrol, there is no increase in the price. Only in the premium category there is some increase and that is hardly 2–3% or 4% of the entire petrol which is sold every day,” she said.
“So it is not that the price of petrol has been increased for the common man. Whether we take it from Iran or not, that is for petrol only. The price of petrol and diesel has been deregulated.”
“It is decided by oil marketing companies. From 2014, the price of petrol and diesel is deregulated. Government does not regulate it,” she added.
“But for the consumers, the price of petrol and diesel has not increased. Jet fuel also is deregulated,” she said.
