Even as global crude oil prices continue to surge, Indiaās oil marketing companies (OMCs) have so far avoided passing the burden onto consumers. But this restraint is coming at a steep cost. Current estimates suggest losses of around ā¹18 per litre on petrol and ā¹35 per litre on diesel ā a situation that may not be sustainable for long. Now, a big warning has come from Kotak Equities, which has triggered fresh concerns across markets.
According to its assessment, once the ongoing assembly election polling concludes ā likely after April 29 ā the government could allow a sudden overnight revision in fuel prices. Similar patterns have been seen in the past, where prices were held steady during elections and sharply increased afterward
Ā The rising crude oil prices are already pushing Indiaās import bill higher by an estimated $190ā210 million per day. This is putting serious pressure on the economy, with inflation risks mounting steadily. At present, petrol prices stand at around ā¹94.77 per litre in Delhi and ā¹103.54 per litre in Mumbai.
If these projections hold true, fuel prices across the country could hit record highs. That would directly increase transportation costs and trigger a ripple effect on essential commodities, making daily life more expensive for ordinary citizens.
Bottom line: Is a post-election fuel bomb about to explode, or will the government step in again? The coming days could decide the economic mood of the nation.
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