Petrol and jet fuel sales increased by around 8.5% in October due to higher travel during the festive season. Diesel sales remained stagnant, affected by factors such as high rainfall and a shift towards electricity by farmers and railways. LPG sales rose by 7.5%.
Petrol and jet fuel sales jumped around 8.5% year-on-year in October on increased travel during the festive season, while diesel sales—mainly used in commercial long-haul transport—stagnated.
Sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), primarily used for cooking in India, rose by 7.5%, according to the oil ministry data . However, diesel consumption has slowed this year due to a combination of factors, including high rainfall, a decline in vehicle sales, and a shift toward electricity use by farmers and railways.
Diesel represents 40% of all refined product volumes consumed in the country, and its declining usage is impacting national oil demand.
During the festive season, there is typically a surge in leisure travel, leading to increased demand for petrol and aviation fuel.
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Industry executives attribute this to demand from bulk diesel customers, who earlier bought the fuel at institutional prices but are now flocking to retail fuel pumps due to a sizeable price differential of ₹40-42 per litre, choking supplies at these outlets.
The company plans over 12 new launches, capacity expansion for scooters and EVs, and aims for electric scooters to contribute over 50 per cent of total scooter sales by 2030.
BIS has notified IS 19850:2026 for E22, E25, E27 and E30 ethanol-blended petrol, creating a fuel-quality framework beyond E20. The move does not mean instant E30 at pumps, but it is a clear signal for vehicle compatibility, fuel retailing and future petrol policy.
As fuel prices rise by over ₹7 per litre in 10 days, Indian consumers and the auto industry may face deeper inflation-led pressure on spending and mobility costs.
