Fuel prices in Chhattisgarh have witnessed the third increase in just nine days, raising concerns over rising transport costs, inflationary pressure, and panic buying across several cities. Petrol and diesel prices were raised by approximately 90 paise per litre on Saturday, following earlier hikes on May 15 and May 19, when rates had already increased by nearly Rs 3.9 per litre respectively.
Current Fuel Rates
The consecutive revisions have pushed petrol prices in Raipur to around Rs 105.19 per litre, while diesel is now retailing at nearly Rs 98.29 per litre. The impact is sharper in northern districts: in Surguja, petrol touched Rs 106.52 per litre and diesel Rs 99.68, while Bilaspur recorded petrol at Rs 106.05 and diesel at Rs 99.16 per litre.
Government Measures to Curb Hoarding
From Saturday, the state government has prohibited the sale of petrol and diesel in drums, bottles, and jerrycans at fuel stations across Chhattisgarh, aiming to curb stockpiling and unauthorised resale. Officials warned that any petrol pump found selling fuel in containers without authorisation would face action.
Economic Impact
The repeated hikes have begun spilling beyond fuel stations into the larger economy. With diesel costs climbing steadily, transporters fear an increase in freight charges, which could soon make vegetables, fruits, ration supplies, and other essential commodities costlier across the state. The agriculture sector is also expected to feel the pinch. Higher diesel prices are likely to increase operating costs for tractors, irrigation pumps, and harvesting equipment ahead of the kharif season preparations. Bus operators, school transport services, and auto-rickshaw unions are also expected to revise fares if prices continue to rise.
Panic Buying Incidents
The latest hike comes days after panic buying and supply-related rumours triggered chaotic scenes outside some fuel stations in districts.
Helpline Numbers
The Raipur district administration has issued helpline numbers — 9977222564, 9977222574, 9977222584, and 9977222594 — for complaints related to overpricing, hoarding, or illegal sale of petrol and diesel.
Exemptions for Essential Services
Exemptions have been granted for farmers requiring diesel for harvesting and agricultural operations, as well as for railways, road construction projects, hospitals, mobile towers, and other essential services. Such users will require prior approval from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
Reasons for Price Hike
The government attributed the fuel price surge primarily to volatility in global crude oil markets. Under India’s dynamic pricing system, fuel rates are revised daily based on international crude prices, rupee-dollar exchange rates, refining costs, central excise duty, dealer commissions, and state VAT rates. Since taxation structures vary from state to state, retail prices also differ across cities.
