ℹ️ How petrol prices work: Oil marketing companies (IOC, BPCL, HPCL) revise prices daily at 6 AM. In practice prices stay stable for weeks. State VAT is the main reason prices differ — Tamil Nadu charges ~33% VAT vs Delhi's ~19.4%.
Petrol Rate by City
Per litre · Includes state VAT & excise · Excludes pump-level surcharges
| City | State | Petrol / Litre | Change |
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Petrol vs Diesel — Side by Side
| City | Petrol / L P | Diesel / L D | Difference |
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Why Do Petrol Prices Differ Across Cities?
The base price of petrol is uniform across India, set by oil marketing companies based on international crude prices and the USD/INR exchange rate. However each state charges its own Value Added Tax (VAT) ranging from ~15% to ~33%, causing wide price variation. Tamil Nadu and Telangana have the highest VAT rates, making Chennai and Hyderabad among the most expensive cities for fuel.
When Are Petrol Prices Revised?
Since June 2017, oil marketing companies revise petrol and diesel prices daily at 6 AM IST. In practice, prices often remain stable for weeks at a stretch, with major changes triggered by sharp moves in international crude prices or central excise duty changes in the Union Budget.
Why is petrol more expensive in Chennai than Delhi? ▾
Tamil Nadu charges ~33% VAT on petrol vs Delhi's ~19.4%. This state-level tax difference accounts for most of the ₹5–8/litre gap between Chennai and Delhi prices.
How is petrol price calculated in India? ▾
Petrol price = Base price (linked to international crude) + Central Excise Duty (~₹19.90/L) + State VAT (varies by state) + Dealer commission (~₹3.86/L). The base price changes daily with crude oil and USD/INR.
Which city has the cheapest petrol in India? ▾
Delhi and Ahmedabad typically have the lowest petrol prices among major cities due to lower state VAT rates. Delhi currently charges around 19.4% VAT on petrol.
⚠ Petrol and diesel prices are sourced from IOC, BPCL and HPCL public data. Actual prices at your pump may vary. Not financial advice.