In a significant development for consumers in Jaipur, petrol prices increased by Rs 3.25 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.02 per litre on Friday, escalating the financial burden and raising concerns about fuel availability amid rising tensions in the Gulf region. The latest revision by oil marketing companies has pushed petrol from Rs 104.72 per litre to Rs 107.97 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs 93.23 per litre, up from Rs 90.21 per litre.
Global Factors Driving Price Hike
The steep hike coincides with heightened volatility in global crude oil markets, largely attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, a region critical to global oil supplies. Industry representatives have noted that fears of supply disruptions and higher import costs are now being reflected in domestic fuel prices, leading to this sharp increase.
Supply Concerns in Rajasthan
The price surge comes at a time when the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association (RPDA) has raised alarms over fuel supply issues within the state. The association has alleged that oil marketing companies have reduced fuel allocations to petrol pumps and imposed restrictions on sales. In a formal communication to oil companies, the RPDA claimed that several petrol pumps are facing shortages due to lower supplies from depots, creating a precarious situation for both dealers and consumers.
Dealers further alleged that informal caps have been placed on fuel sales to consumers and bulk buyers, causing panic among transporters and commercial users. The RPDA warned that if supplies are not normalized immediately, the situation could lead to overcrowding at petrol pumps and potential law and order issues. Petrol pump operators have also reported difficulty in maintaining mandatory minimum stock levels due to reduced allocations.
The association has demanded clear written guidelines from oil companies regarding fuel supply and bulk diesel sales, emphasizing that confusion in the market is increasing amid fears linked to the Gulf crisis and rising crude oil prices. The ongoing situation has left consumers and businesses in Jaipur anxious about both the cost and availability of fuel in the coming days.
