Chennai Fuel Prices Hold Steady After Recent Hikes

Fuel prices in Chennai remained unchanged on October 4, 2026, with petrol priced at Rs 107.77 per litre and diesel at Rs 99.55 per litre. The stability in prices follows a series of increases in May, where the cost of petrol and diesel saw cumulative hikes totaling nearly Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15.

The recent price adjustments were attributed to a surge in global crude oil prices, which rose over 50% since late February due to geopolitical tensions, including US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs to consumers, a decision the government said was aimed at protecting consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, criticized the timing of the price hikes, suggesting they were delayed until after key state elections.

The price increases began on May 15 with a Rs 3 per litre hike, followed by further adjustments on May 19 and May 23. The most significant increase came on May 25, with petrol rising by Rs 2.61 and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre. These changes varied across cities due to differences in local taxes.

For the past five days leading up to October 4, petrol and diesel prices in Chennai have remained constant, with no fluctuations recorded.