<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-oil-imports-from-venezuela-hit-lowest-in-over-five-years-35639">India's oil imports </a>in November grew at their fastest pace in seven months, while diesel exports soared the most in about 2 years, indicating higher refinery runs amid falling local demand for gas oil due to a slowing economy.

India's November oil imports rose 12.7 per cent&nbsp;to 19.17 million tonnes (about 4.7 million barrels per day), the biggest year-on-year increase since April, preliminary data from the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-fuel-demand-rises-28-per-cent-year-on-year-in-august-at-nine-month-low-249025">(PPAC)</a> showed.

"Some of the refineries were undergoing revamp because of fuel upgrade projects, that was one reason why imports were low in the previous months," said K Ravichandran, senior vice president at ICRA, a unit of Moody's Investors Service.

"Now all those refineries are coming back to production as we approach the deadline."

India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, and the consumer has set an April 1, 2020 deadline to migrate to Euro VI-compliant&nbsp;fuels to cut its carbon emissions.

India's oil demand has been subdued for most of the year mainly due to a slowdown in economy and refinery unit shutting for maintenance and fuel upgrades. India's economy grew at its slowest pace in six years in the July-September quarter.

Indian refiners raised the output of diesel expecting a spurt in demand for the fuel following the implementation of new marine fuel rules from January 2020.

"Unfortunately domestic demand is not growing," Ravichandran added.

Diesel demand, which is directly correlated to industrial activity, has been slow for most of the year, pressured by a prolonged monsoon season and softening industrial activity.

Analysts expect India's diesel demand to remain subdued until the second half of 2020.

The country's overall industrial output has fallen for three straight months for the first time since the global recession that began in 2008, with electricity demand falling for four consecutive months.

India has lowered its fuel demand growth estimates for the current fiscal year to a six-year low of 1.3 per cent. Local sales of diesel are expected to grow by 0.9 per cent, the lowest rate in five years.

Refined fuel exports rose by 16.4 per cent in November, the PPAC data showed, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-diesel-demand-growth-seen-stuck-in-low-gear-until-mid-2020-266079">diesel</a> exports soaring by about 41 per cent&nbsp;to register their biggest annual jump since January 2018.

Import of refined products rose 45.4 per cent in November from a year earlier to 3.29 million tonnes mainly because of an increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cooking-gas-price-hiked-by-rs-450-per-cylinder-19th-increase-since-july-2016-23296">cooking gas</a> and fuel oil imports, the data showed.

India's oil imports in November grew at their fastest pace in seven months, while diesel exports soared the most in about 2 years, indicating higher refinery runs amid falling local demand for gas oil due to a slowing economy.

India's oil imports in November grew at their fastest pace in seven months, while diesel exports soared the most in about 2 years, indicating higher refinery runs amid falling local demand for gas oil due to a slowing economy. India's November oil imports rose 12.7 per cent to 19.17 million tonnes (about 4.7 million barrels per day), the biggest year-on-year increase since April, preliminary data from the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) showed. "Some of the refineries were undergoing revamp because of fuel upgrade projects, that was one reason why imports were low in the previous months," said K Ravichandran, senior vice president at ICRA, a unit of Moody's Investors Service. "Now all those refineries are coming back to production as we approach the deadline." India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, and the consumer has set an April 1, 2020 deadline to migrate to Euro VI-compliant fuels to cut its carbon emissions. India's oil demand has been subdued for most of the year mainly due to a slowdown in economy and refinery unit shutting for maintenance and fuel upgrades. India's economy grew at its slowest pace in six years in the July-September quarter. Indian refiners raised the output of diesel expecting a spurt in demand for the fuel following the implementation of new marine fuel rules from January 2020. "Unfortunately domestic demand is not growing," Ravichandran added. Diesel demand, which is directly correlated to industrial activity, has been slow for most of the year, pressured by a prolonged monsoon season and softening industrial activity. Analysts expect India's diesel demand to remain subdued until the second half of 2020. The country's overall industrial output has fallen for three straight months for the first time since the global recession that began in 2008, with electricity demand falling for four consecutive months. India has lowered its fuel demand growth estimates for the current fiscal year to a six-year low of 1.3 per cent. Local sales of diesel are expected to grow by 0.9 per cent, the lowest rate in five years. Refined fuel exports rose by 16.4 per cent in November, the PPAC data showed, with diesel exports soaring by about 41 per cent to register their biggest annual jump since January 2018. Import of refined products rose 45.4 per cent in November from a year earlier to 3.29 million tonnes mainly because of an increase in cooking gas and fuel oil imports, the data showed.

India's November oil import growth fastest in seven months: Sources

India's&nbsp;demand&nbsp;for&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;will remain subdued&nbsp;until&nbsp;the second half of&nbsp;2020, when analysts expect various policy measures aimed at stimulating industrial activity to kick in and soak up excess fuel.

Until&nbsp;consumption picks up in Asia's third-largest economy, where economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;has slowed to six-year&nbsp;lows, refiners are likely to extend their recent stretch of rare&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;exports, which have weighed on refining margins in the region.

Diesel&nbsp;accounts for about two-fifths of refined fuel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;in India, which has grown by its slowest pace since the fiscal year 2014 this year amid&nbsp;tight credit markets, contracting auto sales and slowing rail and air traffic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-third-time-week-168083">Diesel</a>&nbsp;exports could climb by up to 8 million tonnes in the 2019-20 fiscal year from the 28 million tonnes shipped the year before, said an executive at a state refiner who could not be named due to company policy.

Ship-tracking data compiled by Refinitiv show&nbsp;India's&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;exports since the fiscal year start in April have jumped 8.9 per cent&nbsp;from the same period in 2018 to 17.7 million tonnes, the highest for that time span since at least 2015.

India consumed 83.5 million tonnes of&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;in the 2018/19 fiscal year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cabinet-20-most-ministers-retain-earlier-ministries-check-complete-list-223154">Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas </a>data show, which was a record and 3 per cent&nbsp;above the prior year's total.

But&nbsp;demand&nbsp;growth&nbsp;in 2019/20 could be "flat or 1 per cent", according to K. Ravichandran, group head for corporate sector ratings at ICRA Ltd, a local of arm of Moody's.

Bhanu Patni, oil and gas analyst at Fitch's local unit Indian Ratings, said&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;consumption will continue to contract for the next several months.

"Diesel&nbsp;consumption will not improve before the first half of&nbsp;2020," she said.

India announced cuts to corporate tax rates in September to help boost manufacturing and private investment, while the central bank also cut interest rates to spur economic activity, but the steps have yet to increase&nbsp;demand.

India has not released factory output data for October, but a 7.4 per cent&nbsp;decline in the month's&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;consumption the&nbsp;lowest in three years - suggests the country's industrial engine continues to sputter.

Diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;has also taken a hit from lingering monsoon rains which curbed consumption in the farm sector and hindered rural construction work since September.

Greater use of solar-powered irrigation pumps has dented farm sector&nbsp;demand, while a steady shift away from&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;to gasoline-powered cars has also slowed&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;consumption.

Oil&nbsp;demand&nbsp;may also be curbed by&nbsp;India's&nbsp;slowdown. Data last week showed annual economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;slowed to 4.5 per cent&nbsp;in the July-September quarter, the weakest pace since 2013.

Even so, analysts expect the government's stimulus efforts to gain traction in the coming months and lead to a lift in&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;use in&nbsp;2020.

Singapore based consulting firm FGE expects&nbsp;India's&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;growth&nbsp;to rise to about 2 per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;2020/21 from below&nbsp;1 per cent&nbsp;in 2019/20, said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia Oil.

"We could expect the government to launch some stimulus measures to boost momentum in&nbsp;India's&nbsp;economic&nbsp;growth. This should support industrial and freight activities and infrastructure developments...providing the needed impetus to gas oil&nbsp;demand&nbsp;growth," she said.

The government is pushing for more reforms and incentives to attract foreign investors to set up factories in India.

An executive at a state refiner, who could not be named due to company policy, said&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;will continue to rise even if economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;was slower and was more upbeat about&nbsp;2020&nbsp;demand.

"This year we expect&nbsp;growth&nbsp;of 1.5 per cent-2 per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;sales, and next year it could be 3-4 per cent," he said.

India's demand for diesel will remain subdued until the second half of 2020, when analysts expect various policy measures aimed at stimulating industrial activity to kick in and soak up excess fuel.

India's demand for diesel will remain subdued until the second half of 2020, when analysts expect various policy measures aimed at stimulating industrial activity to kick in and soak up excess fuel. Until consumption picks up in Asia's third-largest economy, where economic growth has slowed to six-year lows, refiners are likely to extend their recent stretch of rare diesel exports, which have weighed on refining margins in the region. Diesel accounts for about two-fifths of refined fuel demand in India, which has grown by its slowest pace since the fiscal year 2014 this year amid tight credit markets, contracting auto sales and slowing rail and air traffic. Diesel exports could climb by up to 8 million tonnes in the 2019-20 fiscal year from the 28 million tonnes shipped the year before, said an executive at a state refiner who could not be named due to company policy. Ship-tracking data compiled by Refinitiv show India's diesel exports since the fiscal year start in April have jumped 8.9 per cent from the same period in 2018 to 17.7 million tonnes, the highest for that time span since at least 2015. India consumed 83.5 million tonnes of diesel in the 2018/19 fiscal year, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas data show, which was a record and 3 per cent above the prior year's total. But demand growth in 2019/20 could be "flat or 1 per cent", according to K. Ravichandran, group head for corporate sector ratings at ICRA Ltd, a local of arm of Moody's. Bhanu Patni, oil and gas analyst at Fitch's local unit Indian Ratings, said diesel consumption will continue to contract for the next several months. "Diesel consumption will not improve before the first half of 2020," she said. India announced cuts to corporate tax rates in September to help boost manufacturing and private investment, while the central bank also cut interest rates to spur economic activity, but the steps have yet to increase demand. India has not released factory output data for October, but a 7.4 per cent decline in the month's diesel consumption the lowest in three years - suggests the country's industrial engine continues to sputter. Diesel demand has also taken a hit from lingering monsoon rains which curbed consumption in the farm sector and hindered rural construction work since September. Greater use of solar-powered irrigation pumps has dented farm sector demand, while a steady shift away from diesel to gasoline-powered cars has also slowed diesel consumption. Oil demand may also be curbed by India's slowdown. Data last week showed annual economic growth slowed to 4.5 per cent in the July-September quarter, the weakest pace since 2013. Even so, analysts expect the government's stimulus efforts to gain traction in the coming months and lead to a lift in diesel use in 2020. Singapore based consulting firm FGE expects India's diesel demand growth to rise to about 2 per cent in 2020/21 from below 1 per cent in 2019/20, said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia Oil. "We could expect the government to launch some stimulus measures to boost momentum in India's economic growth. This should support industrial and freight activities and infrastructure developments...providing the needed impetus to gas oil demand growth," she said. The government is pushing for more reforms and incentives to attract foreign investors to set up factories in India. An executive at a state refiner, who could not be named due to company policy, said diesel demand will continue to rise even if economic growth was slower and was more upbeat about 2020 demand. "This year we expect growth of 1.5 per cent-2 per cent in diesel sales, and next year it could be 3-4 per cent," he said.

India's diesel demand growth seen stuck in low gear until mid-2020

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan faces the first major challenge to his leadership as a grey-bearded, orange-turbaned rival he calls "Maulana Diesel" marches to Islamabad with thousands of Islamists hoping to bring down the government.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman -- one of the country's most seasoned political operators -- has dominated the airwaves in recent days with his calls to unseat his old adversary Khan.

The prime minister, he says, did not win last year's election, but was "selected" by the powerful security establishment -- a suggestion denied by Khan, but spread widely by Pakistan's opposition since even before the July 2018 election.

"This movement will continue until the end of this government," Rehman told reporters ahead of the march.&nbsp;

"There is no other way... to bring Pakistan back on the democratic path."

Rehman, who heads the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) -- one of the country's largest Islamist parties -- has been leading supporters from across Pakistan for days on a

"Azadi (Freedom) March" towards Islamabad, with tens of thousands expected to converge on the capital.

He says they will arrive by October 31, but so far has refused to clarify what happens next.

It is a scenario Khan himself is familiar with. As opposition leader in 2014, he organised months of mass protests in Islamabad that failed in a bid to bring down the government.

With the ability to mobilise tens of thousands of madrassa students, JUI-F protests have a history of stirring unrest, and authorities are sealing off the capital's diplomatic enclave with shipping containers.

A violent crackdown risks sparking a wider backlash in the Muslim-majority country, where mainstream politicians have long tried to keep the conservative right on side.

Bad blood

Rehman's bad blood with Khan runs deep.&nbsp;

Khan ran on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018 and called out "Maulana Diesel", as he dubbed him, for his alleged participation in graft involving fuel licenses.&nbsp;

Rehman, in turn, refers to the former World Cup-winning cricketer as "the Jew" — citing his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith, along with incoherent anti-Semitic conspiracies.&nbsp;

Rehman, a maulana (cleric) whose orange turban sports a traditional pattern from his northwest hometown, lost his parliamentary seat in 2018 to a candidate from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party.

Still smarting from that loss, Rehman has chosen this moment carefully.

Khan's government has been under pressure for months as anger simmers over the dire state of the economy.

Unemployment, double-digit inflation, and rising utility costs have hit ordinary Pakistanis hard — issues other opposition parties have also railed against — and Rehman has been eager to exploit the unhappiness during the march.&nbsp;

As the protest moved toward the capital this week, traders across the country launched a two-day strike, piling further pressure on Khan. &nbsp;

'Cheated'

The cleric insists that Khan needs to be removed from office, and a new "free and fair" election held.&nbsp;

But he remains vague about how he aims to achieve its goals.&nbsp;

That lack of substance has led some observers to suggest Rehman's protest is more a salve for his ego after the humiliating election drubbing.&nbsp;

"He's been left out of a game and he thinks he's been cheated out of his rightful place," said columnist Arifa Noor.&nbsp;

"The (economy) is more of a stick to beat the government with."

Rehman has rotated in and out of successive governments for decades, forging alliances with both Islamist and secular parties while enjoying occasional support from the military establishment.&nbsp;

He was once a hardline Islamist and anti-American firebrand, calling for the implementation of Shariah law publically backing the Afghan Taliban, but more recently has tried to rebrand as a moderate.&nbsp;

That has not stopped him from dismissing the attack on Nobel prize laureate Malala Yousfazi in 2012 as a fabricated conspiracy, and protesting the exoneration of Asia Bibi — a Christian woman at the centre of Pakistan's most high-profile blasphemy case. &nbsp;

Whether the march ends in violence or not, it has undeniably thrust Rehman back into the spotlight after suggestions he was increasingly becoming irrelevant.&nbsp;

"When was the last time the maulana dominated the news agenda this much?" asked Noor.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan faces the first major challenge to his leadership as a grey-bearded, orange-turbaned rival he calls "Maulana Diesel" marches to Islamabad with thousands of Islamists hoping to bring down the government.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan faces the first major challenge to his leadership as a grey-bearded, orange-turbaned rival he calls "Maulana Diesel" marches to Islamabad with thousands of Islamists hoping to bring down the government. Maulana Fazlur Rehman -- one of the country's most seasoned political operators -- has dominated the airwaves in recent days with his calls to unseat his old adversary Khan. The prime minister, he says, did not win last year's election, but was "selected" by the powerful security establishment -- a suggestion denied by Khan, but spread widely by Pakistan's opposition since even before the July 2018 election. "This movement will continue until the end of this government," Rehman told reporters ahead of the march. "There is no other way... to bring Pakistan back on the democratic path." Rehman, who heads the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) -- one of the country's largest Islamist parties -- has been leading supporters from across Pakistan for days on a "Azadi (Freedom) March" towards Islamabad, with tens of thousands expected to converge on the capital. He says they will arrive by October 31, but so far has refused to clarify what happens next. It is a scenario Khan himself is familiar with. As opposition leader in 2014, he organised months of mass protests in Islamabad that failed in a bid to bring down the government. With the ability to mobilise tens of thousands of madrassa students, JUI-F protests have a history of stirring unrest, and authorities are sealing off the capital's diplomatic enclave with shipping containers. A violent crackdown risks sparking a wider backlash in the Muslim-majority country, where mainstream politicians have long tried to keep the conservative right on side. Bad blood Rehman's bad blood with Khan runs deep. Khan ran on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018 and called out "Maulana Diesel", as he dubbed him, for his alleged participation in graft involving fuel licenses. Rehman, in turn, refers to the former World Cup-winning cricketer as "the Jew" — citing his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith, along with incoherent anti-Semitic conspiracies. Rehman, a maulana (cleric) whose orange turban sports a traditional pattern from his northwest hometown, lost his parliamentary seat in 2018 to a candidate from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party. Still smarting from that loss, Rehman has chosen this moment carefully. Khan's government has been under pressure for months as anger simmers over the dire state of the economy. Unemployment, double-digit inflation, and rising utility costs have hit ordinary Pakistanis hard — issues other opposition parties have also railed against — and Rehman has been eager to exploit the unhappiness during the march. As the protest moved toward the capital this week, traders across the country launched a two-day strike, piling further pressure on Khan. 'Cheated' The cleric insists that Khan needs to be removed from office, and a new "free and fair" election held. But he remains vague about how he aims to achieve its goals. That lack of substance has led some observers to suggest Rehman's protest is more a salve for his ego after the humiliating election drubbing. "He's been left out of a game and he thinks he's been cheated out of his rightful place," said columnist Arifa Noor. "The (economy) is more of a stick to beat the government with." Rehman has rotated in and out of successive governments for decades, forging alliances with both Islamist and secular parties while enjoying occasional support from the military establishment. He was once a hardline Islamist and anti-American firebrand, calling for the implementation of Shariah law publically backing the Afghan Taliban, but more recently has tried to rebrand as a moderate. That has not stopped him from dismissing the attack on Nobel prize laureate Malala Yousfazi in 2012 as a fabricated conspiracy, and protesting the exoneration of Asia Bibi — a Christian woman at the centre of Pakistan's most high-profile blasphemy case. Whether the march ends in violence or not, it has undeniably thrust Rehman back into the spotlight after suggestions he was increasingly becoming irrelevant. "When was the last time the maulana dominated the news agenda this much?" asked Noor.

'Maulana Diesel' on the march: Pakistan cleric takes on Imran Khan

The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that France has persistently exceeded the threshold limit for nitrogen dioxide, a polluting gas from diesel motors that causes major health problems.

France "systematically and persistently exceeded the annual limit value for nitrogen dioxide since Jan. 1, 2010," the court said in a statement.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, referred the matter to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in May 2018 after almost a decade of warnings that went unaddressed.

France is the first of several member states, including Germany and Britain, that the commission has sued in court after it stepped up its anti-pollution fight in the wake of the so-called "Dieselgate" scandal that erupted in 2015.

The motors caught up in the scandal, in which automakers installed special emission-cheating devices into their car engines, are the main emitters of nitrogen oxides that the European Environment Agency says are responsible for 68,000 premature deaths per year in the EU.

Nitrogen dioxide is toxic and can cause significant respiratory problems as one of the main constituents of traffic-jam smog.

Under EU rules, member countries are required to keep the gas to under 40 micrograms per cubic metre&nbsp;but that level is often exceeded in many traffic-clogged European cities.

The judgement opens the way to possible sanctions at a later stage if Paris does nothing to fix the situation.&nbsp;

The case involved 24 areas in France, including the cities of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg, but also the alpine Arve Valley, France's lorry-clogged gateway to Italy.&nbsp;

While France does not dispute the violation, it argued that the application of European air quality legislation "must be assessed in the light of the structural difficulties encountered" in applying it, the court said in a statement.

But for the judges, EU law demands that when high pollution is found, the member state concerned is required to draw up an air-quality plan and to ensure that the danger period is "as short as possible".&nbsp;

The court said "France clearly did not adopt, in due time, appropriate measures," noting an "overrun for seven consecutive years".

The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that France has persistently exceeded the threshold limit for nitrogen dioxide, a polluting gas from diesel motors that causes major health problems.

The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that France has persistently exceeded the threshold limit for nitrogen dioxide, a polluting gas from diesel motors that causes major health problems. France "systematically and persistently exceeded the annual limit value for nitrogen dioxide since Jan. 1, 2010," the court said in a statement. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, referred the matter to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in May 2018 after almost a decade of warnings that went unaddressed. France is the first of several member states, including Germany and Britain, that the commission has sued in court after it stepped up its anti-pollution fight in the wake of the so-called "Dieselgate" scandal that erupted in 2015. The motors caught up in the scandal, in which automakers installed special emission-cheating devices into their car engines, are the main emitters of nitrogen oxides that the European Environment Agency says are responsible for 68,000 premature deaths per year in the EU. Nitrogen dioxide is toxic and can cause significant respiratory problems as one of the main constituents of traffic-jam smog. Under EU rules, member countries are required to keep the gas to under 40 micrograms per cubic metre but that level is often exceeded in many traffic-clogged European cities. The judgement opens the way to possible sanctions at a later stage if Paris does nothing to fix the situation. The case involved 24 areas in France, including the cities of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg, but also the alpine Arve Valley, France's lorry-clogged gateway to Italy. While France does not dispute the violation, it argued that the application of European air quality legislation "must be assessed in the light of the structural difficulties encountered" in applying it, the court said in a statement. But for the judges, EU law demands that when high pollution is found, the member state concerned is required to draw up an air-quality plan and to ensure that the danger period is "as short as possible". The court said "France clearly did not adopt, in due time, appropriate measures," noting an "overrun for seven consecutive years".

France loses diesel pollution fight in European Union court

The palm oil industry was responsible for at least 39 per cent&nbsp;of forest loss on the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo between 2000 and 2018, data from a research firm based in Indonesia shows.

The data comes as forest clearance <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">fires in Borneo and parts of Indonesia</a> spread smog across Southeast Asia, causing air quality to drop to unhealthy levels in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia.

Some palm oil farmers have been accused of using slash-and-burn methods to clear land for planting.

The palm oil industry has long been blamed for encroaching on rain forests in Borneo, endangering wildlife such as orangutans and pygmy elephants.

Borneo, shared by Brunei and top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia, lost 6.3 million hectares (15 million acres) of forest cover between 2000 and 2018, the data from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), shows.

"This is a conservative number," David Gaveau, a climate scientist at CIFOR, told Reuters of the data, published this month via the centre's Borneo Atlas tool. "It does not include all forest areas impacted by plantation development."

Palm oil companies accounted for about 2.4 million hectares (6 million acres) of the loss while pulpwood firms accounted for 461,319 hectares (1.1 million acres).

Palm oil was responsible for 35 per cent of forest loss in the Indonesian part of Borneo, and 46 per cent on the Malaysian side.

Indonesia and Malaysia produce about 85 per cent of the world's palm oil, which is used in everything from soaps, lipstick to pizza and biodiesel.

CIFOR determined the amount of deforestation caused by companies by calculating the area of forest cleared and converted to industrial plantations within the same year.

The data does not include plantations farmed by smallholders, who account for 40 per cent of palm oil production globally, industry estimates show.

Gaveau said the conversion from forest area to plantations has slowed since 2012, because of lower prices for palm oil and Indonesia's bans on new plantations.

The forest loss from the expansion of palm oil plantations fell to 22 per cent last year, from 28.5 per cent the previous year, the data showed.

A spokeswoman for Malaysia's ministry in charge of palm oil said the government had adopted policies to cap oil palm cultivation area at 6.5 million hectares (16 million acres).

The country's total area planted with oil palm amounted to about 5.8 million hectares (14 million acres) by 2018.

The government also plans to end conversion of forest reserves to palm oil plantations, the spokeswoman said.

A spokesman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), said palm plantations were developed in areas outside forests but pointed to differences in the areas provinces set aside for development and those reserved for forest.

"Uncertainty of spatial planning at the province level is a source of legal uncertainty in palm plantation business," said Tofan Mahdi, the spokesman.

Officials of Indonesia's agriculture ministry declined to comment, while forestry officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The palm oil industry was responsible for at least 39 per cent of forest loss on the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo between 2000 and 2018, data from a research firm based in Indonesia shows.

The palm oil industry was responsible for at least 39 per cent of forest loss on the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo between 2000 and 2018, data from a research firm based in Indonesia shows. The data comes as forest clearance fires in Borneo and parts of Indonesia spread smog across Southeast Asia, causing air quality to drop to unhealthy levels in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia. Some palm oil farmers have been accused of using slash-and-burn methods to clear land for planting. The palm oil industry has long been blamed for encroaching on rain forests in Borneo, endangering wildlife such as orangutans and pygmy elephants. Borneo, shared by Brunei and top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia, lost 6.3 million hectares (15 million acres) of forest cover between 2000 and 2018, the data from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), shows. "This is a conservative number," David Gaveau, a climate scientist at CIFOR, told Reuters of the data, published this month via the centre's Borneo Atlas tool. "It does not include all forest areas impacted by plantation development." Palm oil companies accounted for about 2.4 million hectares (6 million acres) of the loss while pulpwood firms accounted for 461,319 hectares (1.1 million acres). Palm oil was responsible for 35 per cent of forest loss in the Indonesian part of Borneo, and 46 per cent on the Malaysian side. Indonesia and Malaysia produce about 85 per cent of the world's palm oil, which is used in everything from soaps, lipstick to pizza and biodiesel. CIFOR determined the amount of deforestation caused by companies by calculating the area of forest cleared and converted to industrial plantations within the same year. The data does not include plantations farmed by smallholders, who account for 40 per cent of palm oil production globally, industry estimates show. Gaveau said the conversion from forest area to plantations has slowed since 2012, because of lower prices for palm oil and Indonesia's bans on new plantations. The forest loss from the expansion of palm oil plantations fell to 22 per cent last year, from 28.5 per cent the previous year, the data showed. A spokeswoman for Malaysia's ministry in charge of palm oil said the government had adopted policies to cap oil palm cultivation area at 6.5 million hectares (16 million acres). The country's total area planted with oil palm amounted to about 5.8 million hectares (14 million acres) by 2018. The government also plans to end conversion of forest reserves to palm oil plantations, the spokeswoman said. A spokesman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), said palm plantations were developed in areas outside forests but pointed to differences in the areas provinces set aside for development and those reserved for forest. "Uncertainty of spatial planning at the province level is a source of legal uncertainty in palm plantation business," said Tofan Mahdi, the spokesman. Officials of Indonesia's agriculture ministry declined to comment, while forestry officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Palm oil to blame for 39 per cent of forest loss in Borneo since 2000: Study

India's strong diesel demand growth is decoupling from the car market as motorists increasingly turn to gasoline vehicles, leaving it more reliant on patchy demand from construction and heavy industry.

A slowdown in demand growth in India -- one of Asia's biggest diesel guzzlers -- could add to a persistent glut of diesel in the region, fuelled in part by strong exports from China, and put pressure on regional refining profit margins.

Transportation has historically accounted for two-thirds of India's diesel use, but a steady decline in diesel's discount to gasoline has seen sales of diesel-powered cars fall to a record low share of total sales, according to industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

This diminishing draw from autos means diesel demand growth in Asia's third-largest economy could now depend mainly on government and company infrastructure spending, rather than daily use by an increasingly mobile population.

India's economy grew at its slowest pace in more than four years in the March quarter and the risk of a wider fiscal deficit threatens government spending as private investment falls, leaving the outlook for construction activity appears uncertain over the near to medium term.

The largest drivers of diesel demand growth in India are commercial vehicles including trucks and public transport, where consumption is linked to the overall economy, followed by passenger vehicles, said K Ravichandran, senior vice president at ICRA, a unit of Moody's Investors Service.

"India's diesel demand growth will largely depend on the performance of the economy, now that diesel passenger vehicles have become less glamorous as the price differential with petrol is coming down," Ravichandran said.

Gear shift

Diesel-powered cars accounted for 19% of total car sales in India in the 2018/19 financial year, compared with nearly 50% of sales in 2012/13, according to SIAM.

That drop in diesel-fuelled auto sales, in turn, contributed to slower diesel consumption growth, from roughly 7% annually from 2010 through 2013, to 3% for 2018-19, according to data from the Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural gas.

Industry executives expect diesel sales to continue to struggle as diesel's historical price advantage to gasoline diminishes. In 2010, diesel traded at a roughly 23 rupees ($0.33) per litre discount to gasoline, but is now less than 7 rupees cheaper, according to Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, a think-tank attached to the federal oil ministry.

"The motivation for owning a diesel vehicle is basically the pricing. With that price differential reducing, there is going to be a preference for petrol vehicles," said M K Surana, the chairman of India's third-largest state refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd

Surana expects diesel demand to grow 2.5%-3% in 2019/20, below India's petroleum ministry's initial projections of 3.5%.

The auto sector also expects diesel to struggle. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, India's biggest automaker, will stop making diesel cars next fiscal year, blaming uncertain fuel prices and stricter emission standards.

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, India's third-largest automaker, plans to stop production of some diesel vehicles.

Beyond diesel, India's overall auto sales have been sluggish, recording the slowest pace of growth in four years in 2018-19, according to SIAM.

Farm sector slowdown

At the same time, a renewables push across the farm sector could cut diesel use in irrigation pumps if the government follows through on plans to boost solar generation capacity.

In February, India approved subsidised sales of solar pumps to millions of farmers, which it expects will cut diesel demand by about 1.1 million tonnes a year. The country consumed 83.5 million tonnes of diesel in 2018/19.

The government's ambitious target for electric vehicles to make up 30 per cent of auto sales by 2030 may also dent diesel demand.

Still, over the longer term, India's overall growth trajectory is expected to underpin fuel demand.

"Strong economic momentum should support industrial/freight activities, providing further impetus to long-term gasoil&nbsp;demand growth," said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director at Singapore-based consultancy FGE.

India's strong diesel demand growth is decoupling from the car market as motorists increasingly turn to gasoline vehicles, leaving it more reliant on patchy demand from construction and heavy industry.

India's strong diesel demand growth is decoupling from the car market as motorists increasingly turn to gasoline vehicles, leaving it more reliant on patchy demand from construction and heavy industry. A slowdown in demand growth in India -- one of Asia's biggest diesel guzzlers -- could add to a persistent glut of diesel in the region, fuelled in part by strong exports from China, and put pressure on regional refining profit margins. Transportation has historically accounted for two-thirds of India's diesel use, but a steady decline in diesel's discount to gasoline has seen sales of diesel-powered cars fall to a record low share of total sales, according to industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). This diminishing draw from autos means diesel demand growth in Asia's third-largest economy could now depend mainly on government and company infrastructure spending, rather than daily use by an increasingly mobile population. India's economy grew at its slowest pace in more than four years in the March quarter and the risk of a wider fiscal deficit threatens government spending as private investment falls, leaving the outlook for construction activity appears uncertain over the near to medium term. The largest drivers of diesel demand growth in India are commercial vehicles including trucks and public transport, where consumption is linked to the overall economy, followed by passenger vehicles, said K Ravichandran, senior vice president at ICRA, a unit of Moody's Investors Service. "India's diesel demand growth will largely depend on the performance of the economy, now that diesel passenger vehicles have become less glamorous as the price differential with petrol is coming down," Ravichandran said. Gear shift Diesel-powered cars accounted for 19% of total car sales in India in the 2018/19 financial year, compared with nearly 50% of sales in 2012/13, according to SIAM. That drop in diesel-fuelled auto sales, in turn, contributed to slower diesel consumption growth, from roughly 7% annually from 2010 through 2013, to 3% for 2018-19, according to data from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural gas. Industry executives expect diesel sales to continue to struggle as diesel's historical price advantage to gasoline diminishes. In 2010, diesel traded at a roughly 23 rupees ($0.33) per litre discount to gasoline, but is now less than 7 rupees cheaper, according to Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, a think-tank attached to the federal oil ministry. "The motivation for owning a diesel vehicle is basically the pricing. With that price differential reducing, there is going to be a preference for petrol vehicles," said M K Surana, the chairman of India's third-largest state refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd Surana expects diesel demand to grow 2.5%-3% in 2019/20, below India's petroleum ministry's initial projections of 3.5%. The auto sector also expects diesel to struggle. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, India's biggest automaker, will stop making diesel cars next fiscal year, blaming uncertain fuel prices and stricter emission standards. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, India's third-largest automaker, plans to stop production of some diesel vehicles. Beyond diesel, India's overall auto sales have been sluggish, recording the slowest pace of growth in four years in 2018-19, according to SIAM. Farm sector slowdown At the same time, a renewables push across the farm sector could cut diesel use in irrigation pumps if the government follows through on plans to boost solar generation capacity. In February, India approved subsidised sales of solar pumps to millions of farmers, which it expects will cut diesel demand by about 1.1 million tonnes a year. The country consumed 83.5 million tonnes of diesel in 2018/19. The government's ambitious target for electric vehicles to make up 30 per cent of auto sales by 2030 may also dent diesel demand. Still, over the longer term, India's overall growth trajectory is expected to underpin fuel demand. "Strong economic momentum should support industrial/freight activities, providing further impetus to long-term gasoil demand growth," said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director at Singapore-based consultancy FGE.

India's diesel demand set for detour as drivers switch to gasoline

Petrol price in Delhi went up on Saturday by Rs 2.45, it will now cost Rs 72.96 per litre in the capital city.&nbsp;Diesel price has gone up by Rs 2.36, now at 66.69 per litre in Delhi.

This comes just a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday tabled the government's budget for the first year and announced a hike of Rs 1 per litre on petrol. Customs duty on gold has also been hiked.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-here-is-what-favours-you-and-what-does-not-233308">The new budget</a> did not go well with the stock market as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-falls-395-points-nifty-below-11900-as-budget-2019-fails-to-cheer-markets-233275">BSE Sensex fell</a> 394.67 points to 39,513.39 and the NSE Nifty&nbsp;declined 135.60 points to 11,811.20.

Sitharaman proposed increasing the minimum public shareholding in listed companies to 35% from 25%, threatening a wave of new issuance.

Benchmark indices fell sharply for the first time in the last five straight sessions after the budget failed to boost sentiment.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the budget.&nbsp;

Opening his post-budget address, the prime minister said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2019-this-budget-gives-hope-to-country-shows-we-are-on-right-track-pm-modi-233239">budget "has given hope to the country</a>".

"It testifies that the path we are on is right and that we will reach our target," PM Modi said, adding that the budget will help facilitate the creation of 'New India'.&nbsp;

"The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernise," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

Key highlights of the budget:

- Tax rate reduced to 25 per cent for companies with annual turnover up to Rs 400 crore

- Those who don't have PAN can file tax returns using Aadhaar

- Pre-filling of Income-tax Returns for faster, more accurate tax returns

- Additional deduction up to Rs 1.5 lakhs for interest paid on loans borrowed up to March 31, 2020, for purchase of house valued up to Rs 45 lakh

- Funds raised by start-ups to not require scrutiny from Income Tax Department

- No tax on income up to Rs 5 lakh

 
&nbsp;

Petrol price in Delhi went up on Saturday by Rs 2.45, it will now cost Rs 72.96 per litre in the capital city. Diesel price has gone up by Rs 2.36, now at 66.69 per litre in Delhi.

Petrol price in Delhi went up on Saturday by Rs 2.45, it will now cost Rs 72.96 per litre in the capital city. Diesel price has gone up by Rs 2.36, now at 66.69 per litre in Delhi. This comes just a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday tabled the government's budget for the first year and announced a hike of Rs 1 per litre on petrol. Customs duty on gold has also been hiked. The new budget did not go well with the stock market as BSE Sensex fell 394.67 points to 39,513.39 and the NSE Nifty declined 135.60 points to 11,811.20. Sitharaman proposed increasing the minimum public shareholding in listed companies to 35% from 25%, threatening a wave of new issuance. Benchmark indices fell sharply for the first time in the last five straight sessions after the budget failed to boost sentiment. Delhi: Petrol price hiked by Rs 2.45, now at 72.96 per litre. Diesel hiked by Rs 2.36, now at 66.69 per litre. pic.twitter.com/RWBVepbfxN — ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the budget. Opening his post-budget address, the prime minister said that the budget "has given hope to the country". "It testifies that the path we are on is right and that we will reach our target," PM Modi said, adding that the budget will help facilitate the creation of 'New India'. "The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernise," PM Modi said. Key highlights of the budget: - Tax rate reduced to 25 per cent for companies with annual turnover up to Rs 400 crore - Those who don't have PAN can file tax returns using Aadhaar - Pre-filling of Income-tax Returns for faster, more accurate tax returns - Additional deduction up to Rs 1.5 lakhs for interest paid on loans borrowed up to March 31, 2020, for purchase of house valued up to Rs 45 lakh - Funds raised by start-ups to not require scrutiny from Income Tax Department - No tax on income up to Rs 5 lakh

Fuel prices take hit after Budget, petrol costlier by Rs 2.45 at Rs 72.96 in Delhi

Daimler must recall 60,000 Mercedes diesel cars in Germany after regulators found that they were fitted with software aimed at distorting emissions tests, the Transportation Ministry said on Saturday.

The model affected is the Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 produced between 2012 and 2015.&nbsp;

Daimler confirmed that the recall was ordered on Friday but said that it would appeal against the decision while continuing to cooperate with regulators.

The ministry said that it was expanding its investigation into further models.&nbsp;

Since rival Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to cheating US emissions tests, the scandal has spread to other carmakers. Daimler has ordered the recall of 3 million vehicles to fix excess emissions coming from their diesel engines.

Germany`s Bild am Sonntag, which first reported the recall on Saturday, had reported in April that the German auto regulator was looking into suspicious software in the Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI cars produced between 2012 and 2015, after tests showed they only meet emissions limits when a certain function is activated.

Daimler must recall 60,000 Mercedes diesel cars in Germany after regulators found that they were fitted with software aimed at distorting emissions tests, the Transportation Ministry said on Saturday.

Daimler must recall 60,000 Mercedes diesel cars in Germany after regulators found that they were fitted with software aimed at distorting emissions tests, the Transportation Ministry said on Saturday. The model affected is the Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 produced between 2012 and 2015. Daimler confirmed that the recall was ordered on Friday but said that it would appeal against the decision while continuing to cooperate with regulators. The ministry said that it was expanding its investigation into further models. Since rival Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to cheating US emissions tests, the scandal has spread to other carmakers. Daimler has ordered the recall of 3 million vehicles to fix excess emissions coming from their diesel engines. Germany`s Bild am Sonntag, which first reported the recall on Saturday, had reported in April that the German auto regulator was looking into suspicious software in the Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI cars produced between 2012 and 2015, after tests showed they only meet emissions limits when a certain function is activated.

Daimler to recall 60,000 Mercedes diesels in Germany over emissions

Paris' public transport operator on Tuesday said it had ordered up to 800 electric buses to take to the streets of the French capital to replace diesel versions and fight smog in the build-up to the 2024 Olympics.

Three French engineering firms -- Heuliez Bus, Bollore and Alstom -- won the tender to supply the buses in deals worth up to 400 million euros ($450 million), the RATP transport operator said.

RATP will buy an equal number of buses from each supplier, it added, describing the tender as the biggest such bus purchase in Europe.

It will begin by buying 150 buses, with the first deliveries expected between the end of 2020 and 2022, it added.

Local authorities in Paris want the French capital to have 100-per cent clean buses by 2025 by using both electricity and biofuels.

"This is a major step for the RATP and a symbol of its ambition to be a key player in the energy transition in the public transport sector," said RATP chief executive Catherine Guillouard.

"To put them into service, the company is mobilised to meet an industrial challenge within a very short tight deadline," she added.

Paris already has one line -- number 341 -- fully operational with electric buses, but it will be a major task to transform its full fleet of just under 4,700 buses.

RATP currently has some 950 hybrid-powered buses, 140 bio-fuel buses and 83 electric buses in its fleet.

The use of electric buses is growing all over the world, with China the leader in employing the technology as it seeks to relieve pollution in clogged cities.

But they are becoming an increasingly familiar sight in European cities, in particular in Dutch cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Paris' Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo has made tackling smog a priority and is planning stricter rules aimed at phasing out diesel cars by 2024, and is also weighing the idea of making public transport free.&nbsp;

Paris' public transport operator on Tuesday said it had ordered up to 800 electric buses to take to the streets of the French capital to replace diesel versions and fight smog in the build-up to the 2024 Olympics.

Paris' public transport operator on Tuesday said it had ordered up to 800 electric buses to take to the streets of the French capital to replace diesel versions and fight smog in the build-up to the 2024 Olympics. Three French engineering firms -- Heuliez Bus, Bollore and Alstom -- won the tender to supply the buses in deals worth up to 400 million euros ($450 million), the RATP transport operator said. RATP will buy an equal number of buses from each supplier, it added, describing the tender as the biggest such bus purchase in Europe. It will begin by buying 150 buses, with the first deliveries expected between the end of 2020 and 2022, it added. Local authorities in Paris want the French capital to have 100-per cent clean buses by 2025 by using both electricity and biofuels. "This is a major step for the RATP and a symbol of its ambition to be a key player in the energy transition in the public transport sector," said RATP chief executive Catherine Guillouard. "To put them into service, the company is mobilised to meet an industrial challenge within a very short tight deadline," she added. Paris already has one line -- number 341 -- fully operational with electric buses, but it will be a major task to transform its full fleet of just under 4,700 buses. RATP currently has some 950 hybrid-powered buses, 140 bio-fuel buses and 83 electric buses in its fleet. The use of electric buses is growing all over the world, with China the leader in employing the technology as it seeks to relieve pollution in clogged cities. But they are becoming an increasingly familiar sight in European cities, in particular in Dutch cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Paris' Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo has made tackling smog a priority and is planning stricter rules aimed at phasing out diesel cars by 2024, and is also weighing the idea of making public transport free.

Paris orders 800 new electric buses to fight smog

India's diesel consumption may rise to a record this year on increasing infrastructure spending by the current government as it tries to hold off challengers in general elections that will be held over April and May.

Surging diesel consumption in India, the world's third-largest oil user, underscores the country's importance as a driver of global oil demand. Amid increasing concerns that crude demand growth may slip in 2019 because of slowing economic growth, India's burgeoning fuel consumption may help underpin oil and fuel prices.

Analysts at Fitch Solutions and consultants Wood Mackenzie forecast India's diesel demand to rise in 2019 by 5.7 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, from 2018. The country consumed a record 6.9 million tonnes of diesel a month in 2018, or about 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), data from the Ministry of Petroleum showed.

"There is strong energy demand which is bound to happen because of different sectors... We are a diesel driven economy," said Sanjiv Singh, chairman of Indian Oil Corp, the country's top refiner.

"The bottom-line remains that energy demand is bound to grow. We're seeing GDP at more than 7 per cent, (and) ... a lot of urbanization," Singh added.

India's economy is expected to grow by 7.2 per cent in the 2018/2019 financial year, which runs from April to March, versus 6.7 per cent the previous year, according to government data.

"Tied to a constructive GDP outlook - and alongside the country's positive demographics, low vehicle penetration and loose monetary policy - is our forecast for rapid growth in vehicle sales, which again will be positive for diesel," said Peter Lee, an analyst at Fitch Solutions, adding that diesel cars account for nearly a quarter of new vehicles in India.

According to 2015 data, the latest available, from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, India held 22 cars per 1,000 people versus 821 cars per 1,000 people in the United States.

Election boom

Election rallies, the deployment of polling officers and security officers will add to the diesel demand boost from infrastructure projects that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have planned ahead of the polls.

The country's interim budget unveiled earlier this month allocated 190 billion rupees ($2.67 billion) for building roads in the countryside, where two-thirds of Indians live.

"Increased travel activity for campaigning and implementation of infrastructure projects ahead of the elections will bolster diesel demand in the first half of 2019," said Aman Verma, a research analyst at Wood Mackenzie.

During the last general elections in 2014, monthly diesel sales averaged 6.2 million tonnes during the polling months, 7 per cent higher than the monthly average sales that year.

The implementation of a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) has also been beneficial for diesel demand.

"The GST has led to the removal of interstate taxes. This is a structural shift, resulting in increased demand for heavy and medium-duty trucks to achieve economies of scale and operational efficiency," Wood Mackenzie's Verma said.

The sales of commercial vehicles, which largely run on diesel, rose to a record last year, and Jan. 2019 sales climbed to 87,600, a record high for this time of the year, according to data on Refinitiv Eikon.

India's diesel expansion will likely continue despite rising air pollution concerns, especially in the capital of New Delhi. The country's fuel standards have improved, removing much of the sulphur from the diesel pool.

By April, the New Delhi capital region will adopt the so-called Bharat VI standard that is equal to the most stringent European standard, which the rest of the country will adopt next year.

Diesel consumption also faces increasing competition from electric vehicles (EV). The Indian government has set a target of EVs making up 30 per cent of new car and motorcycle sales by 2030 from less than 1 per cent today.

At the moment though EVs are not making much of an impact in India. Electric car sales actually declined by 40 per cent to a mere 1,200 units in the financial year 2018 over the financial year 2017, although electric two-wheeler sales rose 138 per cent to 54,800 units during the same period, according to Wood Mackenzie.

India's diesel consumption may rise to a record this year on increasing infrastructure spending by the current government as it tries to hold off challengers in general elections that will be held over April and May.

India's diesel consumption may rise to a record this year on increasing infrastructure spending by the current government as it tries to hold off challengers in general elections that will be held over April and May. Surging diesel consumption in India, the world's third-largest oil user, underscores the country's importance as a driver of global oil demand. Amid increasing concerns that crude demand growth may slip in 2019 because of slowing economic growth, India's burgeoning fuel consumption may help underpin oil and fuel prices. Analysts at Fitch Solutions and consultants Wood Mackenzie forecast India's diesel demand to rise in 2019 by 5.7 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, from 2018. The country consumed a record 6.9 million tonnes of diesel a month in 2018, or about 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), data from the Ministry of Petroleum showed. "There is strong energy demand which is bound to happen because of different sectors... We are a diesel driven economy," said Sanjiv Singh, chairman of Indian Oil Corp, the country's top refiner. "The bottom-line remains that energy demand is bound to grow. We're seeing GDP at more than 7 per cent, (and) ... a lot of urbanization," Singh added. India's economy is expected to grow by 7.2 per cent in the 2018/2019 financial year, which runs from April to March, versus 6.7 per cent the previous year, according to government data. "Tied to a constructive GDP outlook - and alongside the country's positive demographics, low vehicle penetration and loose monetary policy - is our forecast for rapid growth in vehicle sales, which again will be positive for diesel," said Peter Lee, an analyst at Fitch Solutions, adding that diesel cars account for nearly a quarter of new vehicles in India. According to 2015 data, the latest available, from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, India held 22 cars per 1,000 people versus 821 cars per 1,000 people in the United States. Election boom Election rallies, the deployment of polling officers and security officers will add to the diesel demand boost from infrastructure projects that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have planned ahead of the polls. The country's interim budget unveiled earlier this month allocated 190 billion rupees ($2.67 billion) for building roads in the countryside, where two-thirds of Indians live. "Increased travel activity for campaigning and implementation of infrastructure projects ahead of the elections will bolster diesel demand in the first half of 2019," said Aman Verma, a research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. During the last general elections in 2014, monthly diesel sales averaged 6.2 million tonnes during the polling months, 7 per cent higher than the monthly average sales that year. The implementation of a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) has also been beneficial for diesel demand. "The GST has led to the removal of interstate taxes. This is a structural shift, resulting in increased demand for heavy and medium-duty trucks to achieve economies of scale and operational efficiency," Wood Mackenzie's Verma said. The sales of commercial vehicles, which largely run on diesel, rose to a record last year, and Jan. 2019 sales climbed to 87,600, a record high for this time of the year, according to data on Refinitiv Eikon. India's diesel expansion will likely continue despite rising air pollution concerns, especially in the capital of New Delhi. The country's fuel standards have improved, removing much of the sulphur from the diesel pool. By April, the New Delhi capital region will adopt the so-called Bharat VI standard that is equal to the most stringent European standard, which the rest of the country will adopt next year. Diesel consumption also faces increasing competition from electric vehicles (EV). The Indian government has set a target of EVs making up 30 per cent of new car and motorcycle sales by 2030 from less than 1 per cent today. At the moment though EVs are not making much of an impact in India. Electric car sales actually declined by 40 per cent to a mere 1,200 units in the financial year 2018 over the financial year 2017, although electric two-wheeler sales rose 138 per cent to 54,800 units during the same period, according to Wood Mackenzie.

India's diesel demand to hit record high in 2019 as country goes to polls

Oil prices edged higher for the first time in three sessions on Wednesday, although concerns over the outlook for the global economy capped gains.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.74 per barrel at 0153 GMT, up 8 cents from their last settlement. They closed down 1.7 per cent on Tuesday.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.05 per barrel, up 7 cents, after closing down 0.8 per cent in the previous session.

Global economic worries have weighed on market sentiment in recent days, offsetting support from signs that global supplies are tightening.

With a nervous market, traders are focused on the US State of the Union address by President Donald Trump.

"Anything out of the State of the Union that hints at the US-China deal not working out, or more anti-trade rhetoric would be a negative for energy prices as demand would be lower if global growth keeps being downgraded," said Alfonso Esparza senior market analyst, OANDA.

US sanctions on Venezuela have been viewed as supportive for prices by helping tighten global supplies. A flotilla loaded with Venezuelan oil has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, some holding cargoes bought ahead of the latest US sanctions on Venezuela and others whose buyers are weighing who to pay.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, agreed to production cuts effective from last month to beat back supply growth.

However, US crude stocks rose last week even as refineries boosted output, while gasoline and distillate stocks increased, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday.

Crude inventories rose by 2.5 million barrels in the week ended February 1 to 448.2 million, compared with analysts' expectations for an increase of 2.2 million barrels. Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub rose by 889,000 barrels, API said.

Oil prices edged higher for the first time in three sessions on Wednesday, although concerns over the outlook for the global economy capped gains. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.

Oil prices edged higher for the first time in three sessions on Wednesday, although concerns over the outlook for the global economy capped gains. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.74 per barrel at 0153 GMT, up 8 cents from their last settlement. They closed down 1.7 per cent on Tuesday. International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.05 per barrel, up 7 cents, after closing down 0.8 per cent in the previous session. Global economic worries have weighed on market sentiment in recent days, offsetting support from signs that global supplies are tightening. With a nervous market, traders are focused on the US State of the Union address by President Donald Trump. "Anything out of the State of the Union that hints at the US-China deal not working out, or more anti-trade rhetoric would be a negative for energy prices as demand would be lower if global growth keeps being downgraded," said Alfonso Esparza senior market analyst, OANDA. US sanctions on Venezuela have been viewed as supportive for prices by helping tighten global supplies. A flotilla loaded with Venezuelan oil has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, some holding cargoes bought ahead of the latest US sanctions on Venezuela and others whose buyers are weighing who to pay. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, agreed to production cuts effective from last month to beat back supply growth. However, US crude stocks rose last week even as refineries boosted output, while gasoline and distillate stocks increased, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday. Crude inventories rose by 2.5 million barrels in the week ended February 1 to 448.2 million, compared with analysts' expectations for an increase of 2.2 million barrels. Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub rose by 889,000 barrels, API said.

Oil prices edge higher amid  concerns over global economy

There was a marginal hike in diesel prices on Sunday while petrol prices remained unchanged in the national capital and Mumbai.

In Delhi, diesel prices went up by 10 paise, costing at Rs 66 per litre now.

Petrol is sold at Rs 71.27 per litre, it was last increased on Tuesday by 13 paise per litre, according to data from the Indian Oil Corporation website.

Petrol and diesel prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metropolitan cities.

In Mumbai, people will have to shell out Rs 76.90 per litre for petrol. Diesel costs Rs 69.11 per litre in the city.

In October, &nbsp;petrol prices had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Diesel went up to Rs 75.45 a litre in October in the national capital and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai.

At present, all the oil marketing companies of the country revise the domestic prices of petrol and diesel on a daily basis, in accordance with the international crude oil and rupee-dollar.&nbsp;

There was a marginal hike in diesel prices on Sunday while petrol prices remained unchanged in the national capital and Mumbai. In Delhi, diesel prices went up by 10 paise, costing at Rs 66 per litre now.

There was a marginal hike in diesel prices on Sunday while petrol prices remained unchanged in the national capital and Mumbai. In Delhi, diesel prices went up by 10 paise, costing at Rs 66 per litre now. Petrol is sold at Rs 71.27 per litre, it was last increased on Tuesday by 13 paise per litre, according to data from the Indian Oil Corporation website. Petrol and diesel prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metropolitan cities. In Mumbai, people will have to shell out Rs 76.90 per litre for petrol. Diesel costs Rs 69.11 per litre in the city. In October, petrol prices had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai. Diesel went up to Rs 75.45 a litre in October in the national capital and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. At present, all the oil marketing companies of the country revise the domestic prices of petrol and diesel on a daily basis, in accordance with the international crude oil and rupee-dollar.

Diesel prices up by 10 paise, petrol remains unchanged

There is no respite yet for common citizens as prices of fuel and diesel saw a fresh hike on Wednesday.

Petrol is now being sold 13 paise higher at Rs&nbsp;71.27 per litre and diesel at Rs&nbsp;65.90 per litre after a 19 paise hike in New Delhi.

In Mumbai, petrol is retailing at Rs&nbsp;76.90 per litre after an increase of 13 paise and diesel is being sold at Rs&nbsp;69.01 per litre after a 2 paise hike in its price.

The price revision comes amidst a global dip in the price of crude oil.

Analysts say the prices of crude were down owing to a reduction in the global economic growth forecast which triggered concerns over demand for oil in the coming weeks.

There is no respite yet for common citizens as prices of fuel and diesel saw a fresh hike on Wednesday. Petrol is now being sold 13 paise higher at Rs 71.27 per litre and diesel at Rs 65.

There is no respite yet for common citizens as prices of fuel and diesel saw a fresh hike on Wednesday. Petrol is now being sold 13 paise higher at Rs 71.27 per litre and diesel at Rs 65.90 per litre after a 19 paise hike in New Delhi. In Mumbai, petrol is retailing at Rs 76.90 per litre after an increase of 13 paise and diesel is being sold at Rs 69.01 per litre after a 2 paise hike in its price. The price revision comes amidst a global dip in the price of crude oil. Analysts say the prices of crude were down owing to a reduction in the global economic growth forecast which triggered concerns over demand for oil in the coming weeks.

No respite from surging fuel prices, petrol crosses Rs 71 per litre in Delhi

Fuel prices continued to rise on Monday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 71.14 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.77 per litre in Mumbai.

While diesel prices in the national capital were revised to Rs 65.71, Rs 68.81 in Mumbai, Rs 67.49 in Kolkata and Rs 69.41 in Chennai on Monday.

The prices of petrol were retailed at Rs 73.23 per litre in Kolkata and Rs 73.85 per litre in Chennai.

Petrol prices on Sunday were recorded at Rs 70.95 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.58 in Mumbai, Rs 73.05 in Kolkata and Rs 73.65 in Chennai on Sunday.

The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

Fuel prices continued to rise on Monday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 71.14 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.77 per litre in Mumbai. While diesel prices in the national capital were revised to Rs 65.

Fuel prices continued to rise on Monday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 71.14 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.77 per litre in Mumbai. While diesel prices in the national capital were revised to Rs 65.71, Rs 68.81 in Mumbai, Rs 67.49 in Kolkata and Rs 69.41 in Chennai on Monday. The prices of petrol were retailed at Rs 73.23 per litre in Kolkata and Rs 73.85 per litre in Chennai. Petrol prices on Sunday were recorded at Rs 70.95 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.58 in Mumbai, Rs 73.05 in Kolkata and Rs 73.65 in Chennai on Sunday. The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

Fuel prices continue to rise, petrol reaches Rs 71.14 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.77 per litre in Mumbai

Petrol prices on Sunday in the national capital and in Mumbai rose by Rs 0.23 at Rs 70.95 per litre and Rs 76.58 respectively.&nbsp;

Diesel, on the other hand, was selling for Rs 65.45 per litre - up by Rs 0.29 - in Delhi. A litre of diesel is selling for Rs 68.53, up by Rs. 0.31, in Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fresh-hike-in-fuel-prices-on-saturday-191380">Fuel prices witnessed a fresh hike on Saturday</a>, adding to commuters' woes.

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 70.95/litre (increase by Rs 0.23) &amp; Rs 65.45/litre (increase by Rs. 0.29), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 76.58/litre (increase by Rs. 0.23) &amp; Rs 68.53/litre (increase by Rs. 0.31), respectively in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/qra9C6i9wQ">pic.twitter.com/qra9C6i9wQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086810260915011585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In New Delhi, petrol was being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike.

Also, petrol was retailing at Rs 76.35/litre (increased by 17 paise) and diesel at Rs. 68.22/litre (increased by 20 paise) in Mumbai on Saturday.

The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Petrol prices on Sunday in the national capital and in Mumbai rose by Rs 0.23 at Rs 70.95 per litre and Rs 76.58 respectively. Diesel, on the other hand, was selling for Rs 65.

Petrol prices on Sunday in the national capital and in Mumbai rose by Rs 0.23 at Rs 70.95 per litre and Rs 76.58 respectively. Diesel, on the other hand, was selling for Rs 65.45 per litre - up by Rs 0.29 - in Delhi. A litre of diesel is selling for Rs 68.53, up by Rs. 0.31, in Mumbai. Fuel prices witnessed a fresh hike on Saturday, adding to commuters' woes. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 70.95/litre (increase by Rs 0.23) & Rs 65.45/litre (increase by Rs. 0.29), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 76.58/litre (increase by Rs. 0.23) & Rs 68.53/litre (increase by Rs. 0.31), respectively in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/qra9C6i9wQ — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × In New Delhi, petrol was being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike. Also, petrol was retailing at Rs 76.35/litre (increased by 17 paise) and diesel at Rs. 68.22/litre (increased by 20 paise) in Mumbai on Saturday. The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future. (With inputs from ANI)

Fuel prices continue to rise, petrol up by 23 paise in Delhi, Mumbai

Fuel prices witnessed a marginal rise on Friday. Petrol price in New Delhi saw an increase of 08 paise and is now retailing at Rs 70.55 per litre, while the price of diesel was hiked by 19 paise to be sold at Rs 64.97 per litre.

Meanwhile, petrol prices in Mumbai saw an increase of 07 paise to be sold at Rs 76.18 per litre, while diesel is being sold 20 paise higher at Rs 68.02 per litre.

On Thursday, petrol and diesel were retailing at Rs 70.47 and Rs 64.78 per litre, respectively, in Delhi, while in Mumbai, a litre of petrol was selling at Rs. 76.11 per litre after an increase of 14 paise.

On the other hand, diesel witnessed a rise in price by 20 paise in Mumbai and was sold at Rs 67.82 per litre.

The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.&nbsp;

Fuel prices witnessed a marginal rise on Friday. Petrol price in New Delhi saw an increase of 08 paise and is now retailing at Rs 70.55 per litre, while the price of diesel was hiked by 19 paise to be sold at Rs 64.

Fuel prices witnessed a marginal rise on Friday. Petrol price in New Delhi saw an increase of 08 paise and is now retailing at Rs 70.55 per litre, while the price of diesel was hiked by 19 paise to be sold at Rs 64.97 per litre. Meanwhile, petrol prices in Mumbai saw an increase of 07 paise to be sold at Rs 76.18 per litre, while diesel is being sold 20 paise higher at Rs 68.02 per litre. On Thursday, petrol and diesel were retailing at Rs 70.47 and Rs 64.78 per litre, respectively, in Delhi, while in Mumbai, a litre of petrol was selling at Rs. 76.11 per litre after an increase of 14 paise. On the other hand, diesel witnessed a rise in price by 20 paise in Mumbai and was sold at Rs 67.82 per litre. The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

Fuel prices witness marginal rise in Delhi, Mumbai

After a consistent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-price-continue-to-increase-on-sixth-day-petrol-up-by-28-paise-in-delhi-mumbai-190330">rise for six consecutive days</a>, the prices of petrol on Wednesday witnessed a little decline.

While petrol prices&nbsp;were reduced by 0.8 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, diesel saw an increase of around 12 paise.

The prices of petrol were revised to Rs 70.33 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.97&nbsp;in Mumbai, Rs 73 in Chennai and Rs 72.44 in Kolkata.

Diesel which rose by 12&nbsp;paise in Delhi and 13 paise in Mumbai was revised to Rs 64.59 per litre in Delhi, Rs 67.62 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 66.36 in Kolkata and Rs 68.22 in Chennai.

The petrol prices on Tuesday were recorded at Rs 70.41 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.52 per litre in Kolkata and 73.08 in Chennai.

While Diesel was recorded at Rs 64.47 per litre in Delhi and Rs 67.49 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 66.24 in Kolkata and Rs 68.09 in Chennai.

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 70.33/litre (decrease by Rs 0.08) &amp; Rs. 64.59/litre (increase by Rs. 0.12), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 75.97/litre (decrease by Rs. 0.08) &amp; Rs. 67.62/litre (increase by Rs. 0.13), respectively in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/tFgg38PoJC">pic.twitter.com/tFgg38PoJC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085330452741709824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai.

Prices had started to climb from August 16.

After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins.

The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money.

(With inputs from agencies)

After a consistent rise for six consecutive days, the prices of petrol on Wednesday witnessed a little decline. While petrol prices were reduced by 0.8 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, diesel saw an increase of around 12 paise.

After a consistent rise for six consecutive days, the prices of petrol on Wednesday witnessed a little decline. While petrol prices were reduced by 0.8 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, diesel saw an increase of around 12 paise. The prices of petrol were revised to Rs 70.33 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.97 in Mumbai, Rs 73 in Chennai and Rs 72.44 in Kolkata. Diesel which rose by 12 paise in Delhi and 13 paise in Mumbai was revised to Rs 64.59 per litre in Delhi, Rs 67.62 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 66.36 in Kolkata and Rs 68.22 in Chennai. The petrol prices on Tuesday were recorded at Rs 70.41 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.52 per litre in Kolkata and 73.08 in Chennai. While Diesel was recorded at Rs 64.47 per litre in Delhi and Rs 67.49 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 66.24 in Kolkata and Rs 68.09 in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 70.33/litre (decrease by Rs 0.08) & Rs. 64.59/litre (increase by Rs. 0.12), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 75.97/litre (decrease by Rs. 0.08) & Rs. 67.62/litre (increase by Rs. 0.13), respectively in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/tFgg38PoJC — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 × Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Prices had started to climb from August 16. After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins. The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money. (With inputs from agencies)

After six days of continuous rise, petrol prices reduce by 8 paise in Delhi, Mumbai

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095">Fuel prices</a> continued to increase for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday with prices of petrol increasing by 28 paise in Delhi and Mumbai.

The petrol prices on Tuesday were revised to Rs 70.41 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.52 per litre in Kolkata and 73.08 in Chennai.

Diesel which rose by 29 paise in Delhi and 31 paise in Mumbai was revised to Rs 64.47 per litre in Delhi and Rs 67.49 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 66.24 in Kolkata and Rs 68.09 in Chennai.

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 70.41/litre (increase by Rs 0.28) &amp; Rs. 64.47/litre (increase by Rs. 0.29), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 76.05/litre (increase by Rs. 0.28) &amp; Rs. 67.49/litre (increase by Rs. 0.31), respectively in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/jNyvBxwtKq">pic.twitter.com/jNyvBxwtKq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084986162593165313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prices of petrol on Monday were recorded at Rs 70.13 in Delhi, Rs 75.77 in Mumbai, Rs 72.24 in Kolkata and Rs 72.79 in Chennai.

While Diesel prices were recorded at Rs 64.18 per litre in Delhi, Rs 67.18 &nbsp;in Mumbai, Rs 65.95 in Kolkata and Rs 67.78 in Chennai.

Prior to this seventh increase of 2019, rates had cooled to a year low of Rs 68.29 for petrol and Rs 62.16 in case of diesel.

Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai.

Prices had started to climb from August 16.

After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins.

The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money.

Fuel prices continued to increase for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday with prices of petrol increasing by 28 paise in Delhi and Mumbai. The petrol prices on Tuesday were revised to Rs 70.

Fuel prices continued to increase for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday with prices of petrol increasing by 28 paise in Delhi and Mumbai. The petrol prices on Tuesday were revised to Rs 70.41 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.52 per litre in Kolkata and 73.08 in Chennai. Diesel which rose by 29 paise in Delhi and 31 paise in Mumbai was revised to Rs 64.47 per litre in Delhi and Rs 67.49 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 66.24 in Kolkata and Rs 68.09 in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 70.41/litre (increase by Rs 0.28) & Rs. 64.47/litre (increase by Rs. 0.29), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs. 76.05/litre (increase by Rs. 0.28) & Rs. 67.49/litre (increase by Rs. 0.31), respectively in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/jNyvBxwtKq — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × The prices of petrol on Monday were recorded at Rs 70.13 in Delhi, Rs 75.77 in Mumbai, Rs 72.24 in Kolkata and Rs 72.79 in Chennai. While Diesel prices were recorded at Rs 64.18 per litre in Delhi, Rs 67.18 in Mumbai, Rs 65.95 in Kolkata and Rs 67.78 in Chennai. Prior to this seventh increase of 2019, rates had cooled to a year low of Rs 68.29 for petrol and Rs 62.16 in case of diesel. Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Prices had started to climb from August 16. After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins. The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money.

Fuel price continue to increase on sixth day, petrol up by 28 paise in Delhi, Mumbai

Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi.

While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai.

The prices of petrol on Monday were revised to Rs 70.13 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.77 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.24 per litre in Kolkata and 72.79 in Chennai.

Diesel prices were revised to Rs 64.18 per litre in Delhi, Rs 67.18 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 65.95 in Kolkata and Rs 67.78 in Chennai.

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 70.13/litre (increase by Rs 0.38) &amp; Rs 64.18/litre (increase by Rs 0.49) respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 75.77/litre (increase by Rs 0.38) &amp; Rs 67.18/litre (increase by Rs 0.52) respectively in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/oW4gZrSylQ">pic.twitter.com/oW4gZrSylQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084613707588661249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prices of petrol on Sunday were recorded at Rs 69.75 in Delhi, Rs 75.39 in Mumbai, Rs 71.87 in Kolkata and Rs 72.39 in Chennai.

While Diesel prices were recorded at Rs 63.69 per litre, Rs 66.66 in Mumbai, Rs 65.46 in Kolkata and Rs 67.25 in Chennai.

Prior to this sixth increase of 2019, rates had cooled to a year low of Rs 68.29 for petrol and Rs 62.16 in case of diesel.

Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai.

Prices had started to climb from August 16.

After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins.

The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi. While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai.

Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi. While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai. The prices of petrol on Monday were revised to Rs 70.13 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.77 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.24 per litre in Kolkata and 72.79 in Chennai. Diesel prices were revised to Rs 64.18 per litre in Delhi, Rs 67.18 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 65.95 in Kolkata and Rs 67.78 in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 70.13/litre (increase by Rs 0.38) & Rs 64.18/litre (increase by Rs 0.49) respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 75.77/litre (increase by Rs 0.38) & Rs 67.18/litre (increase by Rs 0.52) respectively in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/oW4gZrSylQ — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × The prices of petrol on Sunday were recorded at Rs 69.75 in Delhi, Rs 75.39 in Mumbai, Rs 71.87 in Kolkata and Rs 72.39 in Chennai. While Diesel prices were recorded at Rs 63.69 per litre, Rs 66.66 in Mumbai, Rs 65.46 in Kolkata and Rs 67.25 in Chennai. Prior to this sixth increase of 2019, rates had cooled to a year low of Rs 68.29 for petrol and Rs 62.16 in case of diesel. Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Prices had started to climb from August 16. After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins. The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money. (With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices continue to rise on fifth consecutive day, petrol crosses Rs 70 in Delhi

The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 19 paise per litre on Saturday while that of diesel by 29 paise.

Petrol price was revised to Rs 69.26 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.91 per litre in Mumbai.

With an increase of 29 paise and 31 paise in Delhi and Mumbai respectively, diesel prices were revised to Rs 63.10 and Rs 66.04 per litre.

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 69.26/litre (increase by Rs 0.19) &amp; Rs 63.10/litre (increase by Rs 0.29) respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 74.91/litre (increase by Rs 0.19) &amp; Rs 66.04/litre (increase by Rs 0.31) respectively in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/ieNTgOae33">pic.twitter.com/ieNTgOae33</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1083899735860076544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, petrol was available at Rs 69.07 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.72 per litre in Mumbai. While diesel was available for Rs 62.81 per litre in Delhi and Rs 65.73 per litre in Mumbai.

Rates vary from state to state depending on the rate of local sales tax or VAT.

Prior to this fourth increase of 2019, rates had cooled to a year low of Rs 68.29 for petrol and Rs 62.16 in case of diesel. This followed a decline in rates on almost all days since October 18, 2018.

In all, the petrol price has fallen by Rs 14.54 per litre since October 18, more than negating all of the hikes that were witnessed in the two-month period beginning mid-August. Diesel price has declined by Rs 13.53 per litre in two and a half months.&nbsp;

Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai.

Prices had started to climb from August 16.

After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins.

The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money.

(With inputs from PTI)

The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 19 paise per litre on Saturday while that of diesel by 29 paise. Petrol price was revised to Rs 69.26 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.

The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 19 paise per litre on Saturday while that of diesel by 29 paise. Petrol price was revised to Rs 69.26 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.91 per litre in Mumbai. With an increase of 29 paise and 31 paise in Delhi and Mumbai respectively, diesel prices were revised to Rs 63.10 and Rs 66.04 per litre. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 69.26/litre (increase by Rs 0.19) & Rs 63.10/litre (increase by Rs 0.29) respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 74.91/litre (increase by Rs 0.19) & Rs 66.04/litre (increase by Rs 0.31) respectively in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/ieNTgOae33 — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2019 × On Friday, petrol was available at Rs 69.07 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.72 per litre in Mumbai. While diesel was available for Rs 62.81 per litre in Delhi and Rs 65.73 per litre in Mumbai. Rates vary from state to state depending on the rate of local sales tax or VAT. Prior to this fourth increase of 2019, rates had cooled to a year low of Rs 68.29 for petrol and Rs 62.16 in case of diesel. This followed a decline in rates on almost all days since October 18, 2018. In all, the petrol price has fallen by Rs 14.54 per litre since October 18, more than negating all of the hikes that were witnessed in the two-month period beginning mid-August. Diesel price has declined by Rs 13.53 per litre in two and a half months. Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Prices had started to climb from August 16. After the consistent rise, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins. The prices also reduced due to the falling international prices and the appreciation of the money. (With inputs from PTI)

Petrol price hiked by 19 paise, diesel by 29 paise in Delhi

Amidst the perpetual rise and fall, the rates of fuel prices went up for the first time in 2019 with the petrol selling at Rs 68.50 and diesel at Rs 62.24 on Monday, with a rise by 21 paise and 8 paise per litre, respectively.

Petrol was sold in Delhi at Rs 68.29 on Sunday, while diesel at Rs 62.16. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 74.16 per litre and Rs 65.12 per litre, respectively.

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In Mumbai, petrol &amp; diesel priced at Rs 74.16/litre &amp; Rs 65.12/litre. In Delhi, petrol &amp; diesel priced at Rs 68.50/litre &amp; Rs 62. 24/litre, respectively. <a href="https://t.co/E0PVdOgLCX">pic.twitter.com/E0PVdOgLCX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082103689366724609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On December 31, diesel and petrol prices reached their lowest level of 2018. In order to protect its revenues from auto fuel taxes, the Karnataka government on Friday revised the rate of sales tax on petrol and diesel to 32 per cent and 21 per cent from 28.75 per cent and 17.73 per cent, respectively.

The highest price was recorded in October, however, soon after rates started to nosedive. The dip in prices comes after the United States softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and allowed eight countries to continue importing oil from Iran temporarily. These countries are India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan.

Further, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier said that the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel in the country was because of the depreciation in the value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.&nbsp;

Amidst the perpetual rise and fall, the rates of fuel prices went up for the first time in 2019 with the petrol selling at Rs 68.50 and diesel at Rs 62.24 on Monday, with a rise by 21 paise and 8 paise per litre, respectively.

Amidst the perpetual rise and fall, the rates of fuel prices went up for the first time in 2019 with the petrol selling at Rs 68.50 and diesel at Rs 62.24 on Monday, with a rise by 21 paise and 8 paise per litre, respectively. Petrol was sold in Delhi at Rs 68.29 on Sunday, while diesel at Rs 62.16. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 74.16 per litre and Rs 65.12 per litre, respectively. In Mumbai, petrol & diesel priced at Rs 74.16/litre & Rs 65.12/litre. In Delhi, petrol & diesel priced at Rs 68.50/litre & Rs 62. 24/litre, respectively. pic.twitter.com/E0PVdOgLCX — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × On December 31, diesel and petrol prices reached their lowest level of 2018. In order to protect its revenues from auto fuel taxes, the Karnataka government on Friday revised the rate of sales tax on petrol and diesel to 32 per cent and 21 per cent from 28.75 per cent and 17.73 per cent, respectively. The highest price was recorded in October, however, soon after rates started to nosedive. The dip in prices comes after the United States softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and allowed eight countries to continue importing oil from Iran temporarily. These countries are India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. Further, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier said that the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel in the country was because of the depreciation in the value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.

Fuel prices witness fresh hike, petrol at Rs 68.50 in Delhi

China will take action against highly-polluting diesel trucks by imposing tougher fuel and engine standards, raising rail freight volumes and strengthening its monitoring capabilities, new guidelines published by the environment ministry said.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment said in a policy document on Friday it would aim to "significantly increase" the number of diesel trucks capable of meeting emission standards by 2020, targeting a compliance rate of at least 90 per cent by next year.&nbsp;

It also promised to improve the quality of diesel, crack down on low-grade fuel and reduce overall nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions from fuel combustion. 
New trucks that fail to comply with state requirements will not be allowed to enter the market, and key regions will also be ordered to implement advanced "China VI" fuel standards starting in July this year, the document said.

China is in the fifth year of a "war on pollution" but average emission levels in many smog-prone northern cities remain significantly higher than the levels recommended by the government.

The northern regions near the capital Beijing will eliminate more than 1 million outdated diesel-fueled trucks by the end of 2020. Tougher controls on diesel freight will also be imposed during smog build-ups, it said.&nbsp;

National rail freight rates would be increased by 30 per cent compared with 2017, and China will work to ensure that long-distance bulk commodity deliveries are done via rail or ships, it said.&nbsp;

Tackling truck emissions has become a major part of China`s efforts to curb pollution. Though trucks produce 13 times more pollution per unit of cargo than trains, the share of rail in total freight amounted to just 7.7 per cent in 2017.

The environment ministry said last year that while diesel trucks accounted for just 7.8 per cent of China`s total vehicles, they contributed as much as 57.3 per cent of total nitrogen dioxide emissions and more than three quarters of airborne particulate matter.&nbsp;

The ministry plans to charge higher fees and introduce more stringent monitoring procedures to try to persuade firms to make better use of the rail network to deliver goods.

China will take action against highly-polluting diesel trucks by imposing tougher fuel and engine standards, raising rail freight volumes and strengthening its monitoring capabilities, new guidelines published by the environment ministry said.

China will take action against highly-polluting diesel trucks by imposing tougher fuel and engine standards, raising rail freight volumes and strengthening its monitoring capabilities, new guidelines published by the environment ministry said. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment said in a policy document on Friday it would aim to "significantly increase" the number of diesel trucks capable of meeting emission standards by 2020, targeting a compliance rate of at least 90 per cent by next year. It also promised to improve the quality of diesel, crack down on low-grade fuel and reduce overall nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions from fuel combustion. New trucks that fail to comply with state requirements will not be allowed to enter the market, and key regions will also be ordered to implement advanced "China VI" fuel standards starting in July this year, the document said. China is in the fifth year of a "war on pollution" but average emission levels in many smog-prone northern cities remain significantly higher than the levels recommended by the government. The northern regions near the capital Beijing will eliminate more than 1 million outdated diesel-fueled trucks by the end of 2020. Tougher controls on diesel freight will also be imposed during smog build-ups, it said. National rail freight rates would be increased by 30 per cent compared with 2017, and China will work to ensure that long-distance bulk commodity deliveries are done via rail or ships, it said. Tackling truck emissions has become a major part of China`s efforts to curb pollution. Though trucks produce 13 times more pollution per unit of cargo than trains, the share of rail in total freight amounted to just 7.7 per cent in 2017. The environment ministry said last year that while diesel trucks accounted for just 7.8 per cent of China`s total vehicles, they contributed as much as 57.3 per cent of total nitrogen dioxide emissions and more than three quarters of airborne particulate matter. The ministry plans to charge higher fees and introduce more stringent monitoring procedures to try to persuade firms to make better use of the rail network to deliver goods.

China to crack down on diesel trucks, raise fuel standards

Fuel prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Monday with petrol selling at Rs 68.84 per litre in the national capital and for Rs 74.47 per litre in Mumbai.

On Sunday,&nbsp;petrol prices were recorded at Rs 69.04 in Delhi, Rs 74.67 in Mumbai, Rs 71.15 in Kolkata and Rs 71.62 in Chennai.

Meanwhile, the prices of diesel were revised to Rs 62.86 per litre in Delhi and to Rs 65.76 per litre in Mumbai. Diesel was selling at Rs 63.09 per litre in Delhi on December 30, while the same was priced at Rs 66.01 in Mumbai yesterday.&nbsp;

After reaching a record high of Rs 84 on October 4 in Delhi, petrol recorded its lowest price in the national capital in December this financial year.&nbsp;

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 68.84/litre &amp; Rs 62.86/litre respectively in Delhi. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices at Rs 74.47/litre &amp; Rs 65.76/litre respectively <a href="https://t.co/ANuCT3srpZ">pic.twitter.com/ANuCT3srpZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079541351480475648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Fuel rates across India have been on a falling trend due to the fall in global crude oil prices.

What also contributed to this slump is a cut of Rs 1.5 in excise duty and a Rs 2.5 cut in sales tax or VAT in several states. Oil retailers were also asked to bear a loss of Rs&nbsp;1 on every litre of fuel sold in India by the state government.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Fuel prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Monday with petrol selling at Rs 68.84 per litre in the national capital and for Rs 74.47 per litre in Mumbai.

Fuel prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Monday with petrol selling at Rs 68.84 per litre in the national capital and for Rs 74.47 per litre in Mumbai. On Sunday, petrol prices were recorded at Rs 69.04 in Delhi, Rs 74.67 in Mumbai, Rs 71.15 in Kolkata and Rs 71.62 in Chennai. Meanwhile, the prices of diesel were revised to Rs 62.86 per litre in Delhi and to Rs 65.76 per litre in Mumbai. Diesel was selling at Rs 63.09 per litre in Delhi on December 30, while the same was priced at Rs 66.01 in Mumbai yesterday. After reaching a record high of Rs 84 on October 4 in Delhi, petrol recorded its lowest price in the national capital in December this financial year. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 68.84/litre & Rs 62.86/litre respectively in Delhi. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices at Rs 74.47/litre & Rs 65.76/litre respectively pic.twitter.com/ANuCT3srpZ — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × Fuel rates across India have been on a falling trend due to the fall in global crude oil prices. What also contributed to this slump is a cut of Rs 1.5 in excise duty and a Rs 2.5 cut in sales tax or VAT in several states. Oil retailers were also asked to bear a loss of Rs 1 on every litre of fuel sold in India by the state government. (With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices continue to fall; petrol at Rs 68.84 in Delhi and Rs 74.47 in Mumbai

On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi.

Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise &amp; 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>City</td>
			<td>Petrol (Rs/Litre)</td>
			<td>Diesel (Rs/Litre)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Delhi</td>
			<td>70.53</td>
			<td>64.47</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mumbai</td>
			<td>76.15</td>
			<td>67.47</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kolkata</td>
			<td>72.62</td>
			<td>66.23</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chennai</td>
			<td>73.19</td>
			<td>68.07</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

After reaching a record high on of Rs 84 on October 4 in Delhi, petrol was at its lowest price in December in this financial year.&nbsp;

What also contributed to the slump is a cut of Rs 1.5 in excise duty and a Rs 2.5 cut in sales tax or VAT in several states.&nbsp;

Besides, oil retailers were also asked to bear a loss of Re 1 on every litre of fuel sold in India.

In India, fuel prices are deregulated, which means that oil companies decide the price of oil based on market factors. Crude oil price and the value of the rupee against the dollar are two most significant factors that impact fuel prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi. Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise & 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities.

On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi. Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise & 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities. City Petrol (Rs/Litre) Diesel (Rs/Litre) Delhi 70.53 64.47 Mumbai 76.15 67.47 Kolkata 72.62 66.23 Chennai 73.19 68.07 After reaching a record high on of Rs 84 on October 4 in Delhi, petrol was at its lowest price in December in this financial year. What also contributed to the slump is a cut of Rs 1.5 in excise duty and a Rs 2.5 cut in sales tax or VAT in several states. Besides, oil retailers were also asked to bear a loss of Re 1 on every litre of fuel sold in India. In India, fuel prices are deregulated, which means that oil companies decide the price of oil based on market factors. Crude oil price and the value of the rupee against the dollar are two most significant factors that impact fuel prices. (With inputs from agencies)

Petrol, Diesel prices rise again: Check today's rates in metro cities

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Saturday with petrol now being sold at Rs 72.53 per litre in the national capital.&nbsp;

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.09 per litre. While the prices in Kolkata and Chennai were revised to Rs 74.55 and Rs 75.26 respectively.

On Friday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 72.87 per litre in Delhi, Rs 78.43 in Mumbai, Rs 75.62 in Chennai and Rs 74.88 per litre in Kolkata.

The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.

The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Saturday with petrol now being sold at Rs 72.53 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Saturday with petrol now being sold at Rs 72.53 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.09 per litre. While the prices in Kolkata and Chennai were revised to Rs 74.55 and Rs 75.26 respectively. On Friday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 72.87 per litre in Delhi, Rs 78.43 in Mumbai, Rs 75.62 in Chennai and Rs 74.88 per litre in Kolkata. The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan

Fuel prices continue to fall: Petrol at Rs 72.53 per litre in Delhi

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Friday with petrol now being sold at Rs 72.87 per litre in the national capital.&nbsp;

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.43 per litre. While the prices in Kolkata and Chennai were revised to Rs 74.88 and Rs 75.62 respectively.

On Thursday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 73.24 per litre in Delhi, Rs 78.80 in Mumbai, Rs 76.01 in Chennai and Rs 75.24 per litre in Kolkata.

The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.

The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Friday with petrol now being sold at Rs 72.87 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Friday with petrol now being sold at Rs 72.87 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.43 per litre. While the prices in Kolkata and Chennai were revised to Rs 74.88 and Rs 75.62 respectively. On Thursday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 73.24 per litre in Delhi, Rs 78.80 in Mumbai, Rs 76.01 in Chennai and Rs 75.24 per litre in Kolkata. The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

Fuel prices continue to fall: Petrol at Rs 72.87 per litre in Delhi

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Thursday with petrol now being sold at Rs 73.24 per litre in the national capital.&nbsp;

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.80 per litre. While the prices in Kolkata and Chennai were revised to Rs 75.24 and Rs 76.01 respectively.

On Wednesday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 73.57 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.12 in Mumbai, Rs 76.35 in Chennai and Rs 75.57 per litre in Kolkata.

The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.

The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Thursday with petrol now being sold at Rs 73.24 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.

Petrol prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Thursday with petrol now being sold at Rs 73.24 per litre in the national capital. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 78.80 per litre. While the prices in Kolkata and Chennai were revised to Rs 75.24 and Rs 76.01 respectively. On Wednesday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 73.57 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.12 in Mumbai, Rs 76.35 in Chennai and Rs 75.57 per litre in Kolkata. The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

Fuel prices continue to fall: Petrol at Rs 73.24 per litre in Delhi

Petrol prices in national capital continued to witness a slump on Wednesday with petrol now being sold at Rs 73.57 per litre.&nbsp;

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 79.12 per litre.

On Tuesday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 74.07 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.12 in Mumbai, Rs 76.35 in Chennai and Rs 75.57 per litre in Kolkata.

The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.

The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

Petrol prices in national capital continued to witness a slump on Wednesday with petrol now being sold at Rs 73.57 per litre. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 79.

Petrol prices in national capital continued to witness a slump on Wednesday with petrol now being sold at Rs 73.57 per litre. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 79.12 per litre. On Tuesday, the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 74.07 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.12 in Mumbai, Rs 76.35 in Chennai and Rs 75.57 per litre in Kolkata. The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

Fuel prices continue to fall: Petrol at Rs 73.57 per litre in Delhi

State-run oil-marketing companies continued to cut the prices of key transport fuels — petrol and diesel — well into the fifth week on Tuesday on lower global crude oil prices.

In New Delhi, petrol is being sold at Rs 76.38 per litre after a decrease of 14 paise, and diesel at Rs 71.27 per litre after a decrease of 12 paise.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai petrol is retailing 14 paise lower at Rs 81.90 per litre and diesel at Rs 74.66 after a decrease of 13 paise.

The rates of fuel across India are witnessing a continuous decline due to a fall in the prices of crude oil.

The United States recently softened its stand on Iran`s sanctions and gave its nod to eight countries to continue importing oil from Iran temporarily.&nbsp;

The list of countries includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies)

State-run oil-marketing companies continued to cut the prices of key transport fuels — petrol and diesel — well into the fifth week on Tuesday on lower global crude oil prices.

State-run oil-marketing companies continued to cut the prices of key transport fuels — petrol and diesel — well into the fifth week on Tuesday on lower global crude oil prices. In New Delhi, petrol is being sold at Rs 76.38 per litre after a decrease of 14 paise, and diesel at Rs 71.27 per litre after a decrease of 12 paise. Meanwhile, in Mumbai petrol is retailing 14 paise lower at Rs 81.90 per litre and diesel at Rs 74.66 after a decrease of 13 paise. The rates of fuel across India are witnessing a continuous decline due to a fall in the prices of crude oil. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran`s sanctions and gave its nod to eight countries to continue importing oil from Iran temporarily. The list of countries includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices continue to slide as global crude rates ease

Continuing the declining trend that has been going for the past couple of days, oil marketing firms across the country once again slashed the rates for transportation fuels on Tuesday.

In Delhi, petrol is being sold at Rs 77.43 whereas diesel is available at Rs 72.19 per litre. Yesterday, commuters in the national capital shelled out Rs Rs 77.56 and Rs 72.31 &nbsp;for a litre of petrol and diesel respectively.

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol price has slipped to Rs 82.94 per litre and diesel to Rs 75.64. On Monday, the petrol cost at Rs 83.07 and diesel at Rs 75.76 per litre here.

The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the slip in the prices of crude oil prices. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

(With inputs from ANI)

Continuing the declining trend that has been going for the past couple of days, oil marketing firms across the country once again slashed the rates for transportation fuels on Tuesday.

Continuing the declining trend that has been going for the past couple of days, oil marketing firms across the country once again slashed the rates for transportation fuels on Tuesday. In Delhi, petrol is being sold at Rs 77.43 whereas diesel is available at Rs 72.19 per litre. Yesterday, commuters in the national capital shelled out Rs Rs 77.56 and Rs 72.31 for a litre of petrol and diesel respectively. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol price has slipped to Rs 82.94 per litre and diesel to Rs 75.64. On Monday, the petrol cost at Rs 83.07 and diesel at Rs 75.76 per litre here. The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the slip in the prices of crude oil prices. The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. (With inputs from ANI)

Petrol, diesel prices dip further for 6th straight day

Petrol prices continued to decline on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.40 per litre in Mumbai.

While prices of petrol reduced by 17 paise in the two cities, diesel prices witnessed a reduction of&nbsp;16 paise in Delhi and 17 paise in Mumbai.

The prices of diesel were revised to Rs 72.58 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai.

On Friday the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 78.06 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.98 in Kolkata, Rs 83.57 in Mumbai and Rs 81.08 in Chennai.

While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 72.74 per litre in Delhi, Rs 74.60 in Kolkata, Rs 76.22 in Mumbai and Rs 76.89 in Chennai.

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Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs 77.89 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 72.58 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.16), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs 83.40 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 76.05 (decrease by Rs 0.17), respectively. <a href="https://t.co/jglQ1gGbLt">pic.twitter.com/jglQ1gGbLt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061057417230905344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2&nbsp;announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices.

The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre.&nbsp;

The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Petrol prices continued to decline on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.40 per litre in Mumbai. While prices of petrol reduced by 17 paise in the two cities, diesel prices witnessed a reduction of 16 paise in Delhi and 17 paise in Mumbai.

Petrol prices continued to decline on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.40 per litre in Mumbai. While prices of petrol reduced by 17 paise in the two cities, diesel prices witnessed a reduction of 16 paise in Delhi and 17 paise in Mumbai. The prices of diesel were revised to Rs 72.58 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai. On Friday the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 78.06 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.98 in Kolkata, Rs 83.57 in Mumbai and Rs 81.08 in Chennai. While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 72.74 per litre in Delhi, Rs 74.60 in Kolkata, Rs 76.22 in Mumbai and Rs 76.89 in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs 77.89 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 72.58 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.16), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 83.40 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 76.05 (decrease by Rs 0.17), respectively. pic.twitter.com/jglQ1gGbLt — ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2018 × The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices. The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis. The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.

Fuel prices slashed; petrol at Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi, Rs 83.40 in Mumbai

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