In a much needed relief to masses, petroleum prices are expected to decline by as much as Rs12 per liter starting Monday for the upcoming pricing cycle ending December 31.
According to local media reports, the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) is projected to fall by around Rs11.80 per liter, representing a reduction of more than 4 percent. In contrast, petrol prices are likely to remain unchanged, as the anticipated decrease is estimated at less than Re1 per liter.
However, the government is considering adding approximately Rs1.28 per liter to fuel prices to account for recently approved increases in margins.
This includes an additional 61 paise per liter for oil marketing companies and 67 paise per liter for dealers, as sanctioned earlier this week by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, the ex-depot prices of kerosene and light diesel oil (LDO) are also expected to see notable reductions. Kerosene prices may drop by about Rs11.50 per liter (6 percent), while LDO could become cheaper by roughly Rs10 per liter (6 percent). At present, kerosene and LDO are priced at Rs192.86 and Rs173.77 per liter, respectively.
The current ex-depot price of petrol stands at Rs263.45 per liter. Petrol is primarily consumed by private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small cars, making its price particularly significant for middle- and lower-middle-income households.
Meanwhile, HSD, which is widely used in transport and agriculture, is presently priced at Rs279.65 per liter and could decline to around Rs268 per liter by December 15.
