Petrol and Diesel Prices Today: Fresh Fuel Rates Released at 6 AM — Check Latest Prices in Your City

By Siddhi Jain | Mar 17, 2026, 08:28 IST

India’s daily fuel price update is out, and as always, the latest petrol and diesel rates were announced early in the morning at around 6 AM. These prices, revised by oil marketing companies (OMCs), are influenced by global crude oil trends and fluctuations in the Indian rupee against the US dollar. While prices remained largely unchanged in several cities today, minor variations were observed across states due to differences in local taxes.

Fuel prices play a crucial role in everyday life. From daily commuters to small business owners, even a slight change in petrol or diesel rates can directly impact household budgets and transportation costs. That’s why staying updated with daily fuel prices is not just helpful—it’s essential.

Why Fuel Prices Change Every Day

Petrol and diesel prices in India are revised daily based on multiple global and domestic factors. The pricing system ensures transparency and reflects real-time changes in the international energy market.

Here are the key factors that influence fuel prices:

1. Global Crude Oil Prices

Crude oil is the primary raw material used to produce petrol and diesel. Any increase or decrease in global crude oil prices directly impacts fuel rates in India. When crude oil becomes expensive internationally, fuel prices in the domestic market tend to rise as well.

2. Rupee vs US Dollar Exchange Rate

India imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements, and transactions are conducted in US dollars. If the Indian rupee weakens against the dollar, the cost of importing crude oil increases, leading to higher fuel prices.

3. Government Taxes and Duties

Fuel prices in India include central excise duty and state-level value-added tax (VAT). These taxes form a significant portion of the retail price, which is why rates vary from one state to another.

4. Refining and Distribution Costs

Crude oil needs to be refined before it becomes usable fuel. The cost of refining and transporting fuel also adds to the final retail price.

5. Demand and Supply Dynamics

Fuel prices can also be affected by demand and supply conditions. During peak seasons—such as summer, winter, or festive periods—fuel consumption increases, which may push prices higher.

Petrol and Diesel Prices in Major Cities (March 17, 2026)

Here are the latest fuel prices in key Indian cities:

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
Pune: Petrol ₹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 Fuel Prices Have Remained Stable Recently

Fuel prices in India have shown relative stability over the past two years. This trend began after May 2022, when both the central government and several state governments reduced taxes on petrol and diesel. Despite fluctuations in global crude oil markets, this tax adjustment has helped keep retail prices comparatively steady for consumers.

How to Check Fuel Prices via SMS

If you want to check the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city quickly, you can do so via SMS:

Indian Oil (IOCL) users: Type your city code and send it with “RSP” to 9224992249
BPCL users: Send “RSP” to 9223112222
HPCL users: Send “HP Price” to 9222201122

This simple method allows you to access real-time fuel prices without needing internet access.

Why Daily Price Updates Matter

Fuel prices are more than just numbers—they influence transportation costs, food prices, and overall inflation. Even small changes can have a ripple effect across the economy. With daily updates released at 6 AM, consumers can plan their expenses better and stay informed about market trends.

In a rapidly changing global economy, keeping track of petrol and diesel prices has become a smart habit for every Indian consumer.