1 month ago
Centre Debunks Petrol Price Myths, Lists Six Determining Factors
The Indian government said that the price of petrol at the pump is not only decided by how much oil costs in the world.
They listed six things that affect the price: the price of oil abroad, the value of the Indian rupee, how much it costs to move the fuel, taxes, how much ethanol is mixed in, and the cost of making the petrol.
Ethanol is a plant‑based liquid that is added to petrol to help the country use less imported oil.
The government said that adding 20% ethanol (called E20) does not make petrol more expensive.
They also said that the state companies that sell petrol are selling it for about ₹85.8 a litre.
Because of this, the companies are losing money – about ₹11 a litre – and have lost a total of ₹21,300 crore from March to June.
The government posted this message while oil prices were falling after the U.S. President talked about stopping a big attack on Iran.
The price of oil in the world, called Brent, dropped 7.3% after those comments.
The government wants people to know that many things, not just oil prices, decide how much petrol costs.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said petrol prices are set by six factors, not just crude oil.
Those factors are international crude oil prices, exchange rates, freight and logistics, taxes, ethanol procurement, and refining/operational costs.
The ministry clarified that E20 ethanol blending does not make petrol more expensive, with about 20% of each litre being domestic ethanol.
State‑run Oil Marketing Companies sold petrol at an average of ₹85.8 per litre, incurring ₹11 per litre under‑recoveries and a total shortfall of ₹21,300 crore between March and June.
The clarification came as Brent crude fell 7.3% after U.S. President Trump’s comments on Iran, amid volatile oil markets.
- Who
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- What
- Clarified factors determining petrol prices and debunked myths about E20 ethanol
- Where
- India
- When
- July 2024
- Why
- To explain that petrol prices are influenced by multiple factors and to counter myths about ethanol blending and price
Key facts
- Ministry
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Factors affecting petrol price
- International crude oil prices, exchange rates, freight and logistics, taxes, ethanol procurement, refining/operational costs
- Average petrol price (Mar‑Jun)
- ₹85.8 per litre
- Under‑recovery per litre
- ₹11
- Total under‑recovery (Mar‑Jun)
- ₹21,300 crore
- Ethanol blend percentage
- 20% domestic ethanol
- Brent price drop
- 7.3%
Quotes
Petroleum Ministry (India)
Indian government ministry overseeing oil and gas
“Retail fuel prices are determined by several factors, while ethanol blending plays a vital role in reducing import dependence, improving energy security, and protecting consumers from global crude price volatility.”
livemint.com
“Nearly 20% of every litre of petrol sold today is domestically produced ethanol.”
livemint.com










