Petrol, diesel prices today: Fuel rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata on 18 May after ₹3/litre hike

Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged on Monday, 18 May, after latest revision by the Indian government. On 15 May, state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs), including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), increased petrol and diesel rates by ₹3 per litre. BJP-led government also increased CNG prices in cities like Delhi and Mumbai by ₹2 per kg and imposed an export duty of ₹3 per litre on petrol, as per Union Finance Ministry latest directive.

The recent revision in fuel rates comes on the heels of West Asia war and nearly after 4-year period. As the world grapples with fuel crisis, the blockade of Strait of Hormuz, critical waterway located in the Gulf Strait, continues. Transit of nearly one-fifth of global energy flows takes place through this route. The Centre shielded domestic customers from global volatility of oil prices till 14 May even though brent crude oil rates spiked to over $100 per barrel in the last few months due to the West conflict. Check latest city-wise petrol and diesel prices here:

City-wise petrol prices today

City-wise diesel prices today

Trump continues to threaten Tehran with possibility of resumption on bombing campaign since the ceasefire began on 8 April and is scheduled to meet with his national security team on Tuesday to discuss the war. Amid bearish outlook, Brent crude oil climbed 1.2% to around $110.60 a barrel on Monday while Asian shares fell in early trading. Brent, the global benchmark, surged about 50% since the start of the war.

The labour department in its advisory said that it is imperative to conserve fuel – petrol, diesel and CNG – and ensure its optimal use since travel to and from offices is one of the largest contributors to daily vehicular fuel consumption in the capital.

"In order to contribute to national fuel conservation efforts, all employers of industrial establishments, factories, shops and commercial establishments in Delhi, including IT, IT Enabled Services (ITES), among others are strongly encouraged to implement a minimum of two days of work-from-home per week," the advisory said, urging Delhiites to support the fuel-saving efforts.

Besides encouraging adoption of work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, it also suggested implementation of staggered working hours to reduce peak-hour vehicular load on roads, encourage employees to use public transport, car-pooling, or non-motorised modes of commute.

According to YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Andhra Pradesh is now witnessing some of the highest fuel prices in the country. He further alleged that fuel price hike is putting inflationary pressure on essential commodity prices and worsening economic distress across sectors.