Petrol Diesel Price Hike: Will the public get the shock of inflation as soon as the elections are over? Crude oil prices are on fire

News India Live, Digital Desk: With the end of assembly elections in five states, the fear of increasing burden on the common man’s pocket has deepened. The huge rise in the prices of crude oil in the international market has indicated an increase in the prices of petrol and diesel in the domestic market. Why can the prices increase? Globally, crude oil prices have remained above $ 100 per barrel for the last several weeks. Experts believe that the oil companies had kept the prices stable even after suffering losses during the elections, but now they can increase the prices by ₹ 5 to ₹ 10 per liter to compensate for this ‘under-recovery’. ‘Double dose’ of inflation There is a possibility of change in the prices of not only petrol-diesel, but also LPG (cooking gas). If fuel prices increase, it will have a direct impact on freight transportation, due to which fruits, vegetables and other essential commodities may also become costlier. Today’s price in major cities (17 March 2026): There is no official change in the prices at present, but the trends are upward. Today’s rates are as follows: Delhi: Petrol ₹94.77 | Diesel ₹87.67 Mumbai: Petrol ₹104.21 | Diesel ₹92.15 Patna: Petrol ₹105.58 | Diesel ₹93.80 Kolkata: Petrol ₹103.94 | Diesel ₹ 90.76 What does the government say? According to sources, the government is trying to find a middle path in collaboration with the oil companies so that there is no sudden burden on the public. However, looking at the global market situation, there seems to be little hope of relief.