Petrol Diesel Price – There’s some relief for the common man today. The central government has reduced petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs 2 per litre. The new prices are effective across the country starting today, bringing some much-needed comfort for vehicle owners and businesses alike.
Petrol and Diesel Now Cheaper
According to a fresh notification from the Finance Department, the price of petrol has been reduced to Rs 252.63 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) now costs Rs 256.64 per litre. This drop of Rs 2 per litre may not seem like a massive relief, but considering the regular rise in fuel prices, even a small cut is a big deal for the public.
Interestingly, there has been no change in the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil. The price cut only applies to petrol and HSD.
What’s Behind This Price Cut?
This decision comes on the back of falling crude oil prices in the international market. In the last few weeks, global petrol prices have dipped by around six dollars per barrel, while diesel has dropped by nearly five dollars. These reductions have given the Indian government room to adjust the domestic rates accordingly.
With international oil prices showing a downward trend, many were hoping that the benefit would be passed on to consumers—and finally, that has happened.
Political Moves and Financial Strategy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made an announcement that the funds collected through the increased petroleum levy will be used for development projects, especially road construction in Sindh and Balochistan. This seems to be part of a larger strategy to ensure continued political support from allies in the region.
On the legal and policy side, it’s important to note that the government had earlier amended the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Ordinance 1961 to prevent a bigger reduction in petrol and diesel prices. This amendment allowed them to increase the levy from Rs 70 per litre to Rs 80 per litre.
Government sources revealed that without this legal change, the prices might have fallen further—possibly up to Rs 10 per litre. The administration had already been charging the maximum permissible levy and needed a new legal framework to maintain the fuel prices at sustainable levels.
Impact on the Common Man
Fuel price changes directly affect transportation costs, which then impact the cost of essential goods and services. So even a small reduction like this one can help ease inflation pressures, especially in urban areas where fuel consumption is high.
This cut could also give a slight boost to businesses, particularly in the logistics and travel sectors, by reducing their operational costs. It’s also expected to bring down fares for public transport, if state transport departments choose to pass on the benefit.
No Change in Kerosene and Light Diesel
While the public is happy about petrol and diesel prices going down, there’s still some concern among rural and low-income households. That’s because kerosene and light diesel prices remain the same. These fuels are still widely used in less developed regions where other energy options are not always available.
Many believe that a small cut in kerosene prices could have helped poorer sections of society who rely on it for lighting and cooking.
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Is This a Temporary Relief?
Analysts suggest that the current price cut could be temporary. If international crude oil prices rise again, the Indian government might increase the prices back to earlier levels or even higher. Also, with the increase in petroleum levy to Rs 80 per litre, there’s little room for more relief unless the global prices fall significantly again.
For now, though, vehicle owners and transporters can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s also a welcome move ahead of the summer season, which typically sees higher travel and transport activity.
In summary, petrol and diesel are now Rs 2 per litre cheaper in India, effective from today. This decision is linked to the fall in global crude oil prices and comes with a mixed bag of policy moves and financial strategies by the government. While it’s good news for most vehicle owners and businesses, the unchanged kerosene and light diesel prices show that there’s still more that could be done to support low-income households.
