Petrol price today: Why You’re Paying More Than Your Friend in Another City

Petrol price today: As the auspicious festival of Navratri dawns across India, bringing with it a wave of devotion and celebration, a different kind of daily ritual unfolds at 6 AM sharp. Before the first prayers are offered, the nation’s Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) release a number that dictates the daily budget for millions: the price of petrol and diesel. This morning, as the “Bachat Utsav” or Savings Festival sentiment fills the air, drivers are waking up to a crucial question: will their wallets get a festive boost or feel the pinch at the pump?

The daily revision of fuel prices has become an inescapable part of life in India, a practice closely watched by everyone from daily commuters to long-haul truckers. These prices aren’t arbitrary; they are the end result of a complex global dance involving international crude oil prices and the ever-fluctuating US dollar-to-rupee exchange rate. For the common person, this isn’t just data—it’s the difference between a comfortable commute and a strained monthly budget.

So, on this first day of Navratri, September 22, let’s pull back the curtain and see the real numbers affecting your journey.

Today’s Fuel Report Card: The Verdict for Major Indian Cities

Transparency is key to this daily system, ensuring every consumer knows the exact rate before they fill up. Here is the latest price list for petrol and diesel across India’s key metropolitan hubs:

City	Petrol (₹/litre)	Diesel (₹/litre)
New Delhi	₹94.77	₹87.67
Mumbai	₹103.50	₹90.20
Kolkata	₹105.41	₹92.02
Bengaluru	₹102.92	₹90.99
Hyderabad	₹107.46	₹95.70
Jaipur	₹104.72	₹90.21
Lucknow	₹94.69	₹87.81
Chandigarh	₹94.30	₹82.45
Patna	₹105.23	₹91.49

While prices have remained relatively stable since the central and state governments introduced tax cuts in May 2022, the daily mechanism means that vigilance is always necessary. As the data shows, metro cities like Kolkata and Hyderabad continue to see petrol prices soar well above the ₹100 mark, a psychological barrier for many consumers.

The CNG Update: A Breather for a Greener Ride?

For taxi drivers, auto-rickshaw operators, and a growing number of private car owners, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is the fuel of choice. Its price fluctuations are just as critical. Here’s a look at the CNG rates in major cities today:

City	CNG Rate (₹/kg)
New Delhi	₹76.59
Mumbai	₹77.00
Chennai	₹91.50
Kolkata	₹77.00
Patna	₹84.54

The Price Mystery: Why Does Your Fuel Cost Change Daily?

For those watching from abroad in places like the USA or the UK, where prices might change weekly or less frequently, India’s daily system can seem intense. The price you pay at the pump is a cocktail of several ingredients:

1. Global Crude Oil: The base price of the raw material, which fluctuates with global demand, supply, and geopolitical events.
2. The Dollar-Rupee Tango: Crude oil is purchased in US dollars. If the rupee weakens against the dollar, India has to pay more for the same amount of oil, driving up the price at home.
3. Taxes, Taxes, Taxes: This is the biggest component. Both the central government (Excise Duty) and state governments (VAT) levy significant taxes, which are a major source of revenue.
4. Logistical Overheads: The costs of refining the crude oil, transporting it across the country, and the dealer’s commission all get added to the final price.

This intricate calculation is performed every single night, culminating in the 6 AM price announcement that sets the tone for the day’s expenses across the nation. As Navratri festivities get underway, millions of Indians will be hoping for a continued period of stability at the pump to make their celebrations just a little bit brighter.