Petrol, diesel sales up 12-13% in February

New Delhi: Domestic sales of petrol and diesel rose 12% and 13% respectively in February over the same month last year on account of increased mobility of people and goods in an expanding economy.

Petrol and diesel sales in February were 20% and 8% higher respectively than in the same month of 2020 ahead of the Covid lockdowns, according to the preliminary sales data from state-run oil companies. The lockdowns, which began in March 2020, disrupted mobility and sharply cut fuel demand. Jet fuel sales in February were 41% higher than in the same month last year but 10% lower than in 2020, showing how the aviation industry still needed some time to reach the pre-pandemic level.

Sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), mainly used for cooking in the country, are up 2.4% from the previous year and 22% higher than in February 2020. Cooking gas demand remained steady through the pandemic while the sales of petrol, diesel and jet fuel sharply fell.


Petrol quickly recovered as lockdowns eased and people started to return to the office. Diesel, which makes up 40% of the total refined fuel demand in the country, took time to recover but is now ahead of the pre-Covid level and growing at a solid pace.

Increased industrial and mining activity, less rainfall and increased retail sales have all contributed to higher diesel demand. Petrol sales have been boosted by people increasingly working from the office and travelling for business and pleasure.



Fuel Sales Growth in February 2023 (%)

	Vs Feb 22	Vs Feb 20
Petrol	11.9	20
Diesel	13	7.7
ATF	40.9	-9.7
LPG	2.43	22.2

*State-run oil companies’ sales data