Every day starts not just with the sun’s rays, but also with the new prices of petrol and diesel—rates that have a direct impact on the common man’s wallet. At 6:00 am, the country’s oil marketing companies (OMCs) release updated rates; These rates are decided based on fluctuations in international crude oil prices and changes in the dollar-rupee exchange rate. These changes impact everyday life—be it a person going to an office or a vendor selling fruits and vegetables. In such a situation, keeping abreast of daily price updates is not only important but also a wise move. This system mandated by the government ensures transparency, so that no misleading information reaches the consumers.
Today’s petrol and diesel prices in your city
Here are the latest prices of petrol and diesel in major cities till March 16, 2026—
**New Delhi:** Petrol ₹94.72 | Diesel ₹87.62
**Mumbai:** Petrol ₹104.21 | Diesel ₹92.15
**Kolkata:** Petrol ₹103.94 | Diesel ₹90.76
**Chennai:** Petrol ₹100.75 | Diesel ₹92.34
**Ahmedabad:** Petrol ₹94.49 | Diesel ₹90.17
**Bengaluru:** Petrol ₹102.92 | Diesel ₹89.02
**Hyderabad:** Petrol ₹107.46 | Diesel ₹95.70
**Jaipur:** Petrol ₹104.72 | Diesel ₹90.21
**Lucknow:** Petrol ₹94.69 | Diesel ₹87.80
**पुणे:** पेट्रोल ₹104.04 | Diesel ₹90.57
**Chandigarh:** Petrol ₹94.30 | Diesel ₹82.45
**Indore:** Petrol ₹106.48 | Diesel ₹91.88
**Patna:** Petrol ₹105.58 | Diesel ₹93.80
Surat: Petrol ₹95.00 | Diesel ₹89.00
Nashik: Petrol ₹95.50 | Diesel ₹89.50
Why have prices remained stable for the last two years?
From May 2022, the central government and many state governments have cut taxes; As a result, stability has been observed in the prices of petrol and diesel. Although the international market continues to fluctuate, prices for Indian consumers have remained relatively stable.
What factors determine fuel prices?
Crude Oil Prices:
Petrol and diesel are mainly made from crude oil. When crude oil prices increase in the international market, it directly impacts the Indian market.
Rupee vs Dollar Exchange Rate:
India imports most of its crude oil, which is purchased in US dollars. If the rupee weakens against the dollar, fuel becomes expensive.
Government Taxes and Fees:
Both the central and state governments impose heavy taxes on petrol and diesel, which form a large part of the retail price. This is why fuel prices differ in different states.
Cost of Refining:
The process of converting crude oil into usable fuel (refining) also incurs costs. These costs depend on the quality of crude oil and the capacity of the refinery.
If the demand for fuel increases in the market, the prices start increasing. Fuel consumption is generally higher during festivals, as well as during summer and winter seasons.
How to know fuel prices in your city through SMS?
If you want to check fuel prices using your mobile phone, the process is very simple:
Indian Oil customers: Type your city code and send it along with “RSP” to 9224992249.