New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday firmly dismissed reports of a proposed hike in petrol and diesel prices, calling such claims "misleading" and intended to create unnecessary panic among citizens.
Earlier, some media reports had suggested that fuel prices could be hiked by around Rs 25 across the country. However, the ministry has now dismissed these claims.
In a statement on X, the ministry said, "There are some news reports suggesting a price hike of petrol and diesel. It is hereby clarified that there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government. Such news items are designed to create fear and panic amongst the citizens and are mischievous and misleading. In fact, India is the only country where petrol and diesel prices haven't increased in the last 4 years. Govt of India and Oil PSUs have taken relentless steps in order to insulate the Indian citizens from steep increases in international prices."
The clarification comes amid speculation following recent policy moves by the Centre. Earlier this month, the government increased export duties on petroleum products, raising the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 per litre, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance. Officials said the step was aimed at ensuring adequate domestic supply and preventing exporters from benefiting disproportionately due to global price differentials.
Separately, the ministry has introduced amendments to fuel regulations to align with evolving industry standards, particularly in the aviation sector. A fresh notification expands the definition of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to include blends with synthetic fuels, reflecting the growing adoption of alternative energy sources.
The updated framework, issued under the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, also incorporates provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to streamline enforcement mechanisms, including search and seizure procedures.
The government maintained that its policy measures are focused on stabilising domestic fuel supply and insulating consumers from global market volatility.