₹10 petrol hike from May 1? Govt issues big clarification

The government on Wednesday rejected rumors spreading via social media regarding an increase in petrol and diesel prices as fake, while encouraging people to fact-check any information before sharing it.

The PIB fact-check division has clarified that a document making rounds on social media platforms and alleged to be issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is completely baseless.

Fake order claimed steep price hike

The viral document claimed that petrol prices would be increased by ₹10 per litre and diesel by ₹12.50 per litre starting May 1. It also cited rising global crude oil prices and alleged losses by oil marketing companies to justify the supposed hike.

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In a post on X, PIB Fact Check clarified that no such order has been issued.

“The Government of India has NOT issued any such order,” the agency said, urging users to rely only on official sources for accurate information.

Government reiterates no plan to raise prices

The clarification comes amid speculation over a possible revision in fuel prices after polling in West Bengal.

A senior government official, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the petroleum ministry, said there is currently no proposal to increase petrol and diesel prices.

Retail fuel rates have remained unchanged since early April 2022, despite fluctuations in global crude prices. State-run oil companies have managed pricing stability by offsetting gains and losses over time.

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At present, petrol in Delhi is priced at ₹94.77 per litre, while diesel costs ₹87.67.

The latest development is part of the ongoing trend of fuel price-related misinformation, which has often confused citizens in the past. It has been repeatedly recommended by the authorities to first check and verify any information before going ahead and posting it.