Petrol prices jump over Rs 3 a litre across Rajasthan; Sri Ganganagar costliest at Rs 109.46, diesel nears Rs 95

Jaipur: Petrol and diesel prices across Rajasthan have risen by over Rs 3 a litre with effect from Friday, breaking a freeze that had held retail rates steady since March 2024 and pushing fuel in Sri Ganganagar to what is likely the highest in the state.

In the state capital, petrol now costs Rs 107.97 a litre, up by Rs 3.25 from Rs 104.72, while diesel has climbed Rs 3.02 to Rs 93.23 a litre. Sri Ganganagar has emerged as the costliest district, with petrol rising from Rs 106.21 to Rs 109.46 a litre and diesel from Rs 91.72 to Rs 94.74. Udaipur now sells petrol at Rs 108.79 and diesel at Rs 93.98, while Ajmer is paying Rs 107.61 for petrol and Rs 92.90 for diesel. Kota has settled at Rs 107.51 and Rs 92.81 for petrol and diesel respectively, and Chittorgarh at Rs 107.62 and Rs 92.93.

Oil marketing companies have attributed the revision to a sustained rise in international crude oil prices. Experts have cautioned that if tensions in the Middle East persist, the coming days could see further increases at the pump.

Although fuel prices in India are technically deregulated and oil companies are free to revise rates every day on the basis of a 15-day rolling average of international crude, the rates had remained frozen for more than 14 months on account of political sensitivity. The last change came just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the government had cut prices by Rs 2 a litre.

The sudden hike has heightened concerns among motorists, common consumers and operators in the transport sector. The Rajasthan Petrol-Diesel Dealer Association has also voiced protest, accusing oil marketing companies of pressuring retail outlets to ration sales. The association has alleged that the companies, through messages and verbal communication, are asking dealers to supply only limited quantities of petrol and diesel to consumers.