Petrol, diesel may see up to Rs9 per litre cut

After four consecutive hikes, petrol and diesel prices are expected to fall by about Rs9 and Rs3.50 per litre, respectively, for the upcoming fortnight ending Aug 15, owing to lower international oil prices and reduced import premiums, sources said on Tuesday. Based on prevailing tax rates, the ex-depot price of petrol is estimated to decline by around Rs9 per litre (3.3 per cent), while high-speed diesel (HSD) may see a reduction of Rs3.50 per litre (1.3pc), depending on final cost calculations. According to informed sources, global oil prices have softened slightly over the past fortnight, while the import premium on petrol has dropped by nearly one-third — from about $9.70 to $6.75 per barrel — as regional tensions eased.