Unbelievable! Here’s How Much Profit Oil Companies Make From Every Litre You Buy
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): While crude oil prices in the international market have slipped below $70 per barrel, Indian consumers are still struggling with record-high petrol and diesel rates. A recent report has revealed that government-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) are making massive profits from every litre of fuel sold, while the benefits of cheaper crude are not being passed on to the public.
According to the report, in the financial year 2025–26, OMCs are earning ₹11.2 profit per litre of petrol and ₹8.1 profit per litre of diesel. The sharp decline in global crude oil prices is the biggest factor behind this surge in margins. However, despite this windfall, retail fuel prices in India remain unchanged.
Across most Indian states, petrol continues to retail above ₹90 per litre, with several states charging over ₹100 per litre. Diesel, too, remains close to all-time highs. Shockingly, the last cut in petrol and diesel prices was made in 2024, when rates were reduced by only ₹2–3 per litre. Since then, international crude prices have consistently fallen, but Indian consumers have seen no relief.
The revelations have sparked fresh debate on fuel pricing and raised questions on why the government and OMCs continue to profit while the common man bears the burden of high transportation costs.