New Delhi – Petrol and diesel prices for regular use stayed the same across India on March 22, even as global crude oil prices crossed $100 per barrel and sometimes went higher due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. State-run oil marketing companies like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are taking the extra cost themselves for now. This means common people filling their cars or bikes with normal petrol and diesel did not see any change in pump prices today.
In Delhi, petrol is still at ₹94.77 per litre and diesel at ₹87.67 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol stands at around ₹103.44 and diesel at ₹89.77. Similar rates hold in other big cities like Kolkata and Chennai, where petrol is near ₹100-101 and diesel around ₹92-93. These prices have not moved much for a long time, since around mid-2022 in many cases.
The reason for keeping prices steady is simple. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) are absorbing the higher cost of buying crude oil from abroad. India imports about 90% of its oil needs, so when global prices rise, it hits hard. But the companies have made good profits in recent years. For example, they earned big in the last few quarters. This helps them take some loss now to protect regular customers from sudden hikes.
A senior official from the Petroleum Ministry said the focus is on making sure fuel reaches everyone without big price jumps. They are checking petrol pumps to stop any hoarding or wrong pricing. While regular fuel stays the same, some changes happened for special types. Premium petrol, like XP95 from Indian Oil or Power from HPCL, went up by about ₹2 to ₹2.35 per litre in many places. Industrial or bulk diesel, used by factories and big users, jumped a lot — up by around ₹22 per litre, taking it to ₹109.59 in Delhi from ₹87.67 earlier.
This selective hike shows the government wants to shield common people but pass some cost to industries and those using high-end fuels.
Jet Fuel Prices Set to Rise from April 1
The big worry now is for airlines and air travel. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu spoke in Visakhapatnam and warned that Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which is jet fuel, will see a price rise. ATF prices change every month on the first day. So, the effect will show from April 1, 2026.
The minister said, “ATF prices are decided on the first of every month. So, the impact might be visible from April 1.” He added that the government is talking to airlines and other ministries to keep flights safe and reduce the burden on passengers as much as possible. Multiple departments are working together on this.
The rise in ATF comes from the same reason — higher global oil prices due to the West Asia conflict. Jet fuel prices have gone up sharply since the trouble started. Airlines say ATF makes up nearly 40% of their costs. Many airlines already added fuel surcharges on tickets.
For example, Air India and Air India Express started a fuel surcharge from March 12. It began with ₹399 extra on domestic tickets and more on international routes like to the Middle East or Southeast Asia. IndiGo followed with sector-based charges — ₹425 for domestic, higher for longer flights. Akasa Air and others did similar things. Some flights to Gulf areas got extra charges because routes are longer now due to avoiding risky zones.
This has made some tickets costlier already. Airlines also canceled or changed some flights because of rerouting around conflict areas, which uses more fuel and time.
Why Global Oil Prices Are High
Brent crude, the main global oil price marker, has been above $100 per barrel for days. On some days in March, it touched near $110-119 before coming down a bit. As of recent reports, it was around $107-112 per barrel. The conflict has disrupted supplies, with worries about the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy sites.
India feels this because we buy most oil from abroad. Economists say if high prices last long, it can push up inflation. Things like transport costs, food prices, and daily goods may get dearer. But for now, the government and OMCs are holding retail petrol and diesel steady to control this.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
Airlines are facing tough times. Higher fuel costs mean more money spent on flying. Longer routes because of Middle East issues add more fuel use. Some airlines have warned of schedule changes or higher fares.
The Civil Aviation Ministry is watching closely. They want to make sure flights remain safe, especially to Gulf countries where many Indians work. Minister Naidu said they are in talks with airlines to get feedback and handle the situation.
Experts note that while petrol and diesel for cars stay the same, air travel may become expensive. This hits people who fly often, like for jobs or family visits.
Government Steps and Future Outlook
The government has kept a close eye on fuel markets since the conflict began. They cut taxes in the past when needed, but right now, no big tax cut is announced. OMCs are told to keep supplies good and check pumps.
If oil stays high for weeks, it may be hard to absorb costs forever. Some reports say if Brent goes above $115-120 for long, retail prices may have to rise a bit. But for now, the plan is to protect common people.
In Sri Lanka and other places, fuel prices went up fast because of the same global issues. India is trying to avoid that by letting OMCs take the hit for some time.
This balance helps keep inflation in check and supports daily life for millions who depend on cheap fuel for bikes, cars, trucks, and buses.
Relevant Quotes & Versions
“We are committed to protecting the Indian consumer. The ministries are working in tandem to ensure that the global surge in oil does not immediately burn a hole in the common man’s pocket.” — Source from the Ministry of Petroleum.
“Airlines are facing a double whammy—higher fuel costs and longer routes. Surcharges are a painful but necessary step for survival.” — Aviation Industry Analyst.
FAQs
Q1: Why are petrol and diesel prices not increasing in India right now?
A: State-run oil companies are paying the extra cost from high global crude prices themselves. They made good profits before, so they can absorb this for some time to keep prices same for regular customers.
Q2: What are current petrol and diesel rates in major cities?
A: In Delhi: Petrol ₹94.77/litre, Diesel ₹87.67/litre. Mumbai: Petrol around ₹103.44, Diesel ₹89.77. Chennai: Petrol ₹100.93, Diesel ₹92.48. These stayed the same on March 22, 2026.
Q3: What changes happened in premium fuels?
A: Premium petrol went up by ₹2-2.35 per litre. Industrial bulk diesel increased by about ₹22 per litre to help companies handle costs without touching normal retail prices.
Q4: Why will jet fuel affect airfares from April 1?
A: ATF prices change monthly on the 1st. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the rise due to global oil surge will show from April 1. Airlines may add more surcharges or raise base fares.
Q5: Have airlines already increased charges?
A: Yes, Air India, IndiGo, and others added fuel surcharges from mid-March. For domestic flights, extra ₹399-425; more for international. This is because of higher jet fuel costs and longer routes.
Q6: What is the government doing about air travel?
A: Ministries are coordinating with airlines to ensure safe flights and limit impact on passengers. Focus is on Gulf routes and overall operations.
Q7: Will petrol and diesel prices stay the same forever?
A: Hard to say. If global oil stays very high for long, companies may pass some cost later. But right now, priority is to protect consumers.