Oil marketing companies released the latest petrol and diesel prices for September 19, 2026. The rates are reviewed and updated every morning at 6 am, making it important for motorists to check the applicable price before visiting a fuel station.

Fuel expenses affect not only private vehicle owners but also public transport, delivery services, farmers and businesses that move goods by road. Even a small price revision can influence travel costs and the transportation expenses built into the prices of essential commodities.

According to the rates provided, petrol in New Delhi costs ₹102.12 per litre, while diesel is priced at ₹95.20 per litre. Mumbai motorists are paying ₹111.18 for petrol and ₹97.83 for diesel. Hyderabad has the highest petrol price among the listed cities at ₹115.69 per litre.

Petrol and diesel prices on September 19

The following table presents the reported fuel prices in major cities:

Among the cities listed, Chandigarh has the lowest petrol price at ₹98.10 per litre and the lowest diesel rate at ₹86.09 per litre. Hyderabad has the highest listed petrol price, while Thiruvananthapuram has the most expensive diesel at ₹104.40 per litre.

The difference between cities is largely due to state taxes, freight expenses and other local pricing components.

Why fuel rates differ across India

India does not have one uniform retail price for petrol and diesel. Although oil marketing companies determine the base rate, the final amount paid by consumers includes central duties, state-level taxes, dealer commission and transportation costs.

State taxes play a particularly important role. Since each state can impose a different rate of value-added tax or other levies, petrol and diesel prices can vary significantly across state borders. Even neighbouring cities may have different rates because of local taxes and freight costs.

Crude oil prices influence domestic fuel costs

Petrol and diesel are produced from crude oil, a large portion of which India imports. When crude becomes more expensive internationally, the cost of purchasing and refining it can increase for domestic oil companies.

A decline in crude prices can reduce cost pressure, but it does not always result in an immediate reduction at fuel stations. Oil companies may consider average import costs, past losses, refining margins and wider market conditions before revising retail prices.

Global oil prices can also be affected by production decisions, geopolitical conflicts, shipping disruptions and changes in demand from major economies.

Rupee-dollar exchange rate also matters

International crude oil transactions are generally settled in US dollars. Consequently, the value of the Indian rupee against the dollar influences the effective cost of imports.

If the rupee weakens, Indian companies need to spend more to purchase the same quantity of crude oil. This can partly or completely offset the benefit of a decline in international prices. A stronger rupee, meanwhile, can reduce the import burden.

Refining, transportation and demand affect the final rate

Crude oil must be processed at refineries before it becomes petrol or diesel. The quality of the crude, refinery efficiency and processing expenses contribute to the overall cost.

After refining, fuel must be transported to depots and retail outlets. Cities located farther from refineries or supply terminals may face higher freight expenses.

Demand and supply conditions can also influence the broader pricing environment. Consumption may rise during periods of greater travel, agricultural activity or commercial transportation. However, daily retail revisions do not depend on demand alone.

How to check fuel prices through SMS

Consumers can check the latest rate using the official SMS facilities offered by oil marketing companies:

• IndianOil customers: Type RSP followed by the relevant dealer or city code and send it to 9224992249.
• BPCL customers: Send RSP to 9223112222.
• HPCL customers: Send HPPRICE and the required dealer code, where applicable, to 9222201122.

Customers can also check prices through the official websites and mobile applications of IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. The rate displayed at the fuel station should be verified before refuelling, and motorists should collect a receipt after payment.

The rates above are based on the city-wise figures supplied for September 19, 2026. Because fuel prices can vary by outlet and location, readers should confirm the latest local rate through the relevant oil company before making a purchase.

Editorial clarification: The source claims that prices have remained stable since May 2022. That broad statement should be independently verified before publication because subsequent tax changes and company-level revisions may have altered prices in particular states, cities or periods.