Petrol and Diesel Prices Unchanged Despite Crude Oil Drop; Check Latest City-Wise Rates

Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged across major Indian cities on Saturday, September 19, 2026, even as crude oil prices declined in the international market. Public-sector oil marketing companies did not announce any fresh reduction or increase in retail fuel rates for the day.

The absence of a revision means motorists will continue to pay the existing prices applicable in their cities. In Delhi, petrol is available at ₹102.12 per litre and diesel at ₹95.20 per litre. Mumbai continues to have significantly higher rates, with petrol priced at ₹111.21 per litre and diesel at ₹97.83 per litre.

Fuel prices are generally updated by oil marketing companies every morning at 6 am. However, a fall in international crude oil prices does not always result in an immediate reduction at Indian fuel stations.

Crude oil prices decline in global market

International oil prices moved lower at the end of the week as concerns about supply disruptions eased slightly. Brent crude closed at $104.87 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate settled at $100.30 per barrel on September 18. The market, however, remained volatile because of continuing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding important global supply routes. Reuters

Crude oil prices had previously risen due to concerns about attacks on energy infrastructure, restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz and possible disruption to supplies from the Middle East. The latest decline provided some relief in the global market, but oil remained above $100 per barrel.

Indian petrol and diesel prices depend on more than the daily movement of crude oil. The final retail rate is influenced by the cost of imported crude, refining expenses, the rupee-dollar exchange rate, transportation costs, central duties, state taxes and dealer commission.

Petrol and diesel rates in major cities

Here are the reported fuel prices applicable in selected cities:

The rates may differ between cities within the same state. Consumers should check the price applicable at their nearest fuel station before filling the tank.

Why are petrol and diesel rates different in every city?

Petrol and diesel are not sold at a uniform price throughout the country. State governments impose value-added tax or other local levies at different rates, leading to noticeable variations between cities.

Freight expenses also affect the final price. A location situated farther away from a refinery or fuel depot may have a higher retail rate because of additional transportation costs. Dealer commission and local charges can create further differences.

This explains why petrol can cost considerably more in cities such as Bhopal, Kolkata or Patna than in Delhi or Lucknow, even when the base fuel cost is broadly similar.

Does cheaper crude guarantee lower petrol prices?

A reduction in global crude prices can lower the cost pressure on oil companies, but it does not guarantee an immediate cut in petrol or diesel rates. Companies may consider average purchase costs over a longer period rather than responding to a one-day market movement.

The rupee’s performance against the US dollar also matters because India pays for most crude oil imports in dollars. If the rupee weakens, the benefit of a decline in crude prices may be reduced or completely offset.

International prices must remain lower for a sustained period before their impact becomes clearly visible in the domestic pricing environment. Government tax decisions and the financial position of oil marketing companies can also influence when and by how much retail rates are revised.

How to check the latest fuel price

Motorists can verify the current rate through the official websites and mobile applications of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. Oil companies also provide SMS-based facilities for checking local prices.

Consumers should check the rate displayed on the dispensing machine before refuelling and request a receipt after making the payment. The receipt helps confirm the quantity purchased, price per litre and total amount charged.

For September 19, the key takeaway is that the decline in international crude oil prices has not translated into cheaper petrol or diesel for Indian consumers. Retail rates remain unchanged, and motorists will continue to pay the prices already applicable in their respective cities.