Festive spirit: fuel sales up 12% YoY in Oct

Domestic sales of petrol and diesel jumped 12% each in October over the year as the festive demand boosted transportation needs.

Compared to September, the demand for petrol and diesel grew 4.8% and 9.7% respectively, as per the preliminary data from state-run oil companies. A sharper growth in diesel pointed to increased industrial and trade activity, an oil company executive said. Diesel accounts for 40% of refined fuel consumption in the country.

Goods movement from factories to retail stores significantly rises ahead of Diwali. Near normalization of offices, reopening of schools and colleges, and increased travel for leisure have all pushed up demand for transportation fuels.


Petrol and diesel sales in October were 21% and 14% higher respectively than in the same month of 2019.

Jet fuel sales rose 26% in October over last year on increased air traffic. The sales were 14% lower than in 2019.

Cooking gas consumption fell 1% in October from last year but was 5% higher than in 2019.