Global crude oil prices are trading near four-year highs, driven by extreme geopolitical tension in the Middle East and a looming deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Regular petrol and diesel rates at state-run pumps are expected to remain stable this week due to significant government intervention and a policy of price absorption by oil marketing companies (OMCs).

Delhi Fuel Prices Today (April 7, 2026)

Metro City Comparison - Petrol & Diesel (per Litre)

Note: Prices at state-run outlets (IOCL/BPCL/HPCL). Rates at private pumps (Shell, Nayara) may be ₹5-₹25 higher.

Private Retailer Rates (Delhi) - April 7, 2026

Private retailers have raised prices by ₹5-₹25 per litre since late March to manage rising import costs. In some cities, Shell's petrol has reached approximately ₹119.85 per litre.

Key Market Updates

Premium Fuel Surge

• On April 1, 2026, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) raised the price of its high-octane XP100 petrol in Delhi to ₹160 per litre (up from ₹149), a jump of ₹11 per litre in a single revision

Private Retailer Hikes

• Shell India and Nayara Energy have implemented sharper increases compared to state-run pumps, raising prices by ₹5-₹25 per litre since late March

Commercial LPG Hike

• The 19 kg commercial cylinder was increased by ₹195.50 on April 1, now costing ₹2,078.50 per cylinder in Delhi, squeezing restaurants, dhabas, and small food businesses

Excise Duty Status

• Effective March 27, 2026, the central government slashed excise duty by ₹10 per litre on petrol (now ₹3/L) and zeroed it out on diesel to cushion the blow of global crude volatility

Global Oil Market Today - April 7, 2026

Global crude oil prices are trading near four-year highs, driven by extreme geopolitical tension in the Middle East and a looming deadline set by President Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Crude Oil (CLW00) Price Chart

• Open: $112.62 | High: $113.95 | Low: $112.51
• Previous Close: $112.41 | Volume: 5,131 | Open Interest: 247,921
• Daily Change: +0.98%

Critical Market Drivers

Strait of Hormuz Crisis

• President Trump has set a deadline of 8:00 p.m. ET today for Iran to reopen the Strait or face strikes on its power plants and infrastructure
• Global oil flows through the Strait have plunged from 20 million barrels per day (mb/d) to a "trickle," creating the largest supply disruption in history

Saudi Pricing & OPEC+ Response

• Saudi Aramco raised its flagship Arab Light crude premium to a record +$19.50 per barrel for Asian buyers to reflect the extreme risks in the Gulf
• While OPEC+ agreed to a modest output hike of 206,000 bpd for May, analysts note this is symbolic as the oil cannot be exported while the Strait remains closed

Impact on Your Local Pump Prices

Regular Fuel Stability

• State-run outlets (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL) are expected to hold regular petrol and diesel rates steady for now
• OMCs are currently estimated to be losing approximately ₹4-₹6 per litre on diesel even after the excise cut

Government Shield

• On March 27, 2026, the central government slashed excise duty by ₹10 per litre on both petrol and diesel to cushion the impact of crude rising above $110 per barrel

Absorption Strategy

• Instead of cutting retail prices, OMCs are using this tax relief to "repair their balance sheets," offsetting the massive losses (under-recoveries) they face from expensive imports

Premium Fuel & Private Hikes

• Unlike regular fuel, premium variants and private pumps are seeing immediate increases. XP100 petrol was hiked to ₹160 per litre in Delhi on April 1 (an ₹11 jump)

Consumer Tip

If you use regular fuel, filling up at state-run pumps is currently ₹5-₹12 cheaper per litre than at private stations, as government-regulated rates remain frozen despite global volatility.

Why Prices Aren't Moving (Yet)

• Financial Cushioning: OMCs are currently estimated to be losing approximately ₹4-₹6 per litre on diesel even after the excise cut. If crude stays elevated (above $110-$120/bbl) for an extended period, government-regulated prices may eventually rise
• Election Factors: With upcoming assembly elections in key states, the government is reportedly keen to avoid price hikes that could fuel inflation or public discontent

Comparison: State-Run vs. Private (Delhi)

Disclaimer: Fuel prices are subject to daily revision by oil marketing companies. All rates listed are indicative and may vary by outlet, location, and date. Private retailer rates vary by location. Please check with your local fuel station or the official IOCL/BPCL/HPCL apps for real-time pricing.