October petrol sales up 7%, diesel down 0.5%

New Delhi: Petrol sales rose 7% year-on-year in October as the festival season boosted travel and vehicle purchases. Diesel sales, however, slipped 0.5% after an unusually strong 6% jump in September, according to oil ministry data. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) sales increased 1.6% and cooking gas (LPG) sales rose 5.4%. For the April-October period, ATF and LPG sales were up 1% and 7%, respectively.

Diesel sales have increased 2.5% so far this fiscal, while petrol sales are up 6.8%. Diesel accounts for about 40% of India's refined-fuel consumption by volume. Its extensive use in transportation, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and power generation makes it a broad indicator of economic activity.

This year, both Durga Puja and Diwali festivals fell in October, instead of being spread across October and November. The compressed festive calendar, coupled with GST rate reductions on many items, helped lift sales of vehicles and other consumer goods.


Retailers typically stock up ahead of the festive season, driving diesel demand in September as goods are transported across the country. With inventories already built, diesel consumption softened in October.