Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Erratic Monsoon Rains Lift Petrol, Diesel Sales as LPG Shifts
India sold more petrol and diesel in August than in the same month last year.
Petrol sales rose by 9.1 percent.
Diesel sales grew by 10.2 percent, helped by farmers using diesel pumps.
The monsoon rains arrived late and unevenly, so farmers needed more irrigation.
Diesel is also used by trucks, farm machines and other vehicles.
Jet fuel sales increased as well.
LPG sales dropped sharply.
Industry officials said some businesses moved from LPG to piped natural gas after supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis.
Petrol sales by India's three state-run retailers rose 9.1% year-on-year to 3.48 million tonnes in August.
Diesel sales increased 10.2% year-on-year to 6.27 million tonnes, but fell 12% from July's 7.13 million tonnes.
Late and erratic monsoon rains increased diesel use for irrigation during the peak sowing season.
Jet fuel sales rose 5.6% year-on-year to 677,100 tonnes in August.
LPG sales fell 16.1% year-on-year as some industrial and commercial users shifted toward piped natural gas.
- Who
- Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, along with farmers, motorists, freight operators and commercial fuel users.
- What
- Petrol, diesel and jet fuel sales increased in August, while LPG sales declined.
- When
- August, with the data reported on Tuesday; one report was dated September 1.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Late and erratic monsoon rains increased irrigation-related diesel demand, while some LPG users shifted to piped natural gas after supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis.
- Petrol sales
- 3.48 million tonnes in August, up 9.1% year-on-year; 14% above August 2024 and 30.7% above August 2023.
- Diesel sales
- 6.27 million tonnes, up 10.2% year-on-year and 9.7% above August 2024.
- July diesel comparison
- August diesel sales were 12% below July's 7.13 million tonnes; July had recorded 10.7% year-on-year growth.
- Jet fuel sales
- 677,100 tonnes, up 5.6% year-on-year and 1.3% from July.
- LPG sales
- Reported at 2.42 million tonnes, down 16.1% year-on-year; the article also reports 2.37 million tonnes as the month-on-month figure, creating an internal discrepancy.
- LPG shift
- Industry officials attributed the decline partly to industrial and commercial users switching to piped natural gas.
- Supply disruption
- The West Asia crisis disrupted LPG supplies and led to consumption restrictions in sectors including hotels and restaurants; the curbs were lifted in June.
Sources
El Nino impact: Petrol, diesel sales up by 9.1% in August
Petrol, diesel sales soar on erratic monsoon rains, LPG demand shifts to piped gas
Erratic rains lift petrol, diesel demand in August as LPG use shifts towards piped gas - Telegraph India
Petrol, Diesel Sales Surge Amid Erratic Monsoon Rains, LPG Demand Shifts Towards Piped Gas