Petrol and diesel prices increased by Rs 3 per litre across India on Friday, ending a freeze that had largely remained in place since April 2022.
The hike comes after a sharp rise in global crude oil prices linked to the Iran conflict and disruptions in energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
State-run fuel retailers also increased CNG prices by Rs 2 per kg in cities including Delhi and Mumbai.
What the Price Hike Means for Jammu & Kashmir
Consumers in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to pay higher fuel rates from Friday, with final prices varying because of VAT and local taxes.
Fuel dealers in Jammu city said the increase will directly affect daily commuters, transport operators, taxi services, and goods carriers already facing higher operating costs.
The price rise is likely to impact transportation costs on key routes including:
- Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
- Jammu-Kathua corridor
- Srinagar-Baramulla route
- Goods transport to Kashmir Valley
Public transport operators and truck owners in Jammu division said higher diesel prices may increase freight charges in the coming weeks.
Petrol Prices in Jammu & Kashmir Districts After Latest Hike
Fuel prices now vary across Jammu and Kashmir because of local taxes and transportation costs. Srinagar, Kupwara, and Ganderbal continue to record some of the highest petrol and diesel rates in the Union Territory.
Petrol Prices in Jammu & Kashmir
| City/District | Petrol Price |
|---|---|
| Anantnag | ₹101.85/L |
| Baramulla | ₹104.23/L |
| Doda | ₹101.82/L |
| Ganderbal | ₹104.51/L |
| Jammu | ₹99.83/L |
| Kathua | ₹100.20/L |
| Kishtwar | ₹101.82/L |
| Kulgam | ₹101.85/L |
| Kupwara | ₹104.87/L |
| Poonch | ₹101.78/L |
| Pulwama | ₹101.90/L |
| Rajouri | ₹101.28/L |
| Ramban | ₹101.91/L |
| Reasi | ₹101.18/L |
| Samba | ₹99.93/L |
| Shopian | ₹101.91/L |
| Srinagar | ₹104.08/L |
| Udhampur | ₹101.17/L |
Diesel Prices in Jammu & Kashmir
| City/District | Diesel Price |
|---|---|
| Anantnag | ₹90.47/L |
| Baramulla | ₹92.17/L |
| Doda | ₹90.45/L |
| Ganderbal | ₹92.43/L |
| Jammu | ₹88.52/L |
| Kathua | ₹88.87/L |
| Kishtwar | ₹90.46/L |
| Kulgam | ₹90.46/L |
| Kupwara | ₹92.75/L |
| Poonch | ₹90.43/L |
| Pulwama | ₹90.51/L |
| Rajouri | ₹89.79/L |
| Ramban | ₹90.21/L |
| Reasi | ₹89.52/L |
| Samba | ₹88.62/L |
| Shopian | ₹90.51/L |
| Srinagar | ₹92.01/L |
| Udhampur | ₹89.49/L |
Kupwara recorded the highest petrol price in Jammu and Kashmir at ₹104.87 per litre, while Jammu city remained below ₹100 per litre at ₹99.83.
For diesel, Kupwara again reported the highest rate at ₹92.75 per litre, followed by Ganderbal and Srinagar.
New Petrol and Diesel Prices in Major Cities
According to industry sources, petrol in Delhi increased from Rs 94.77 per litre to Rs 97.77 per litre.
Diesel in the national capital now costs Rs 90.67 per litre compared to Rs 87.67 earlier.
Fuel prices in other cities:
| City | Petrol Price | Diesel Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Rs 106.68/litre | Rs 93.14/litre |
| Kolkata | Rs 108.74/litre | Rs 95.13/litre |
| Chennai | Rs 103.67/litre | Rs 95.25/litre |
CNG in Delhi now costs Rs 79.09 per kg, while Mumbai rates have increased to Rs 84 per kg.
Domestic LPG cylinder prices and piped natural gas rates for households remain unchanged.
Global Crude Oil Prices Behind the Increase
Global crude oil prices have increased by more than 50 percent since February 28 after US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation disrupted oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
The route handles a major share of global crude shipments.
Despite the rise in international oil prices, retail fuel rates in India had remained unchanged for months.
The government had earlier said the freeze was intended to protect consumers from rising global energy costs.
Opposition parties, however, linked the delayed revision to recent Assembly elections in several states.
Fuel Prices Reach Highest Level Since May 2022
The latest increase pushes petrol and diesel prices to their highest levels since May 2022.
Fuel rates had remained unchanged since April 2022 except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 before Lok Sabha elections.
Industry officials said oil marketing companies continue to absorb heavy losses despite Friday’s increase.
According to industry estimates:
- Oil companies still face losses of around Rs 11 per litre on petrol
- Diesel losses are estimated at nearly Rs 39 per litre
Government Pushes Fuel Conservation Measures
The fuel price increase comes as the Centre steps up fuel conservation efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged reduced fuel consumption, limited travel, and work-from-home practices to reduce pressure on India’s oil import bill and foreign exchange reserves.
Several state governments have already asked departments to reduce official travel and avoid unnecessary physical meetings.
Analysts Expect Impact on Fuel Demand
Market analysts said higher fuel prices and conservation measures may slow fuel demand growth in the coming months.
Prashant Vasisht said the latest increase provides only limited relief to oil marketing companies because global crude prices remain elevated.
