Petrol-Diesel
Fuel shock for Indians: Petrol, diesel prices jump after Modi’s austerity warning amid West Asia tension
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by up to ₹3 per litre on Friday, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the nation to reduce fuel consumption and adopt austerity measures amid rising tensions in West Asia.
In Delhi, petrol prices were raised to ₹97.77 per litre from ₹94.77, while diesel rates increased to ₹90.67 per litre from ₹89.67, sources told Hindustan Times. However, fuel prices vary across states due to local taxes and levies.
Following the revision, petrol will now cost ₹108.74 per litre in Kolkata.
In Mumbai, petrol prices surged by ₹3.14 to ₹106.68 per litre, while in Chennai, petrol now costs ₹103.67 per litre after an increase of ₹2.83.
CNG prices in Delhi have also been raised by ₹2 per kg, taking the new rate to ₹89 per kg.
Opposition targets Centre
Targeting the Union government over the latest fuel price hike, Derek O'Brien wrote on X: “First they loot your vote, then they kick you where it hurts. Pathetically predictable. Diesel and petrol prices hiked. Will Bengal Govt reduce VAT on petrol & diesel now that there’s a Delhi-controlled government which doesn’t have to worry about funds being blocked by Centre?”
First they loot your vote, then they kick you where it hurts. Pathetically predictable. Diesel and petrol prices hiked.
— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) May 15, 2026
Will Bengal Govt reduce VAT on petrol & diesel now that there’s a Delhi-controlled government which doesn’t have to worry about funds being blocked by Centre?
Modi calls for austerity amid West Asia tensions
Addressing a rally in Hyderabad last Sunday, PM Modi urged citizens to embrace austerity measures in view of the escalating conflict in West Asia, warning that the crisis could significantly impact India’s economy through higher fuel prices and mounting pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The Prime Minister appealed to people to avoid unnecessary foreign travel for a year and refrain from purchasing gold during festivals and weddings.
Call for ‘economic patriotism’
Stressing the need for “economic patriotism,” Modi said every Indian must contribute towards safeguarding the country’s financial stability during uncertain global conditions.
He also urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, revive work-from-home practices wherever possible, and rely more on public transport.
Modi cautioned that disruptions in global crude oil supply chains due to the ongoing conflict could sharply increase India’s import bill, given India’s heavy dependence on imported crude oil and gold.
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