Ahmedabad: Despite the Union government's call for austerity measures, Gujarat recorded a sharp 32.4% increase in diesel sales and a 15.3% rise in petrol sales in May. According to data from oil marketing companies, diesel sales surged by 1.74 lakh kilolitres (KL) during the month.
Diesel and Petrol Sales Data
Data from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) show that diesel sales in Gujarat rose from 5.37 lakh KL in May 2025 to 7.11 lakh KL in May 2026. Petrol sales also saw healthy growth, increasing from 2.67 lakh KL to 3.08 lakh KL, up 15.3%, translating into an additional 40,840 KL of sales.
Company-wise Performance
Among the three state-run retailers, IOC recorded the highest growth in diesel sales at 42.1%, followed by HPCL at 29.1% and BPCL at 23%. In petrol, IOC posted growth of 17.5%, while HPCL and BPCL recorded increases of 14.3% and 13.3%, respectively.
Reasons Behind the Surge
According to OMC officials, a significant factor behind the surge in diesel sales at public sector retail outlets was a shift in procurement patterns from bulk consumers to authorised fuel stations. The Centre had requested states and Union territories to form special squads to crack down on malpractices involving bulk consumers and hoarders purchasing supplies meant for retail consumers. Authorities have also been asked to act against black marketing, unauthorised stocking, and diversion of petroleum products under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and related control orders.
Industry associations have been advised to encourage members to procure diesel only through authorised channels. The rise in sales comes against the backdrop of concerns over fuel availability triggered by geopolitical developments. However, public sector OMCs said supplies remain normal across the country.
Official Statement
Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, IndianOil, BPCL, and HPCL continue operations and logistics coordination across the country to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG through their nationwide network, an OMC official stated.
