Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 2: State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) recorded robust growth in diesel and petrol sales in July compared to the same month last year, reflecting higher economic activity and increased fuel demand.

According to official data, diesel sales rose 10.7 per cent year-on-year to 7.12 million tonnes in July from 6.43 million tonnes in the corresponding month of 2025.

Diesel, the country's most-consumed fuel, witnessed strong demand from the transport and agricultural sectors. Higher consumption was attributed to delayed monsoon rains, which prompted farmers to use diesel-powered irrigation pumps during the peak sowing season, while improved road infrastructure and the commissioning of new highways and expressways also boosted commercial vehicle movement.

July diesel sales were also 11.5 per cent higher than the corresponding month in 2024 and 12.7 per cent above July 2023 levels.

Petrol sales by the three public sector oil marketing companies increased 9.7 per cent to 3.45 million tonnes during the month, compared to 3.14 million tonnes a year earlier.

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or jet fuel sales rose 2.9 per cent year-on-year to 659,900 tonnes in July. However, on a month-on-month basis, ATF consumption declined 4.6 per cent from 691,700 tonnes in June, largely due to flight cancellations caused by adverse monsoon weather.

In contrast, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales declined 17.4 per cent to 2.37 million tonnes during July.

According to the report, the decline was attributed to the government's push for consumers to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) amid supply disruptions caused by the choking of the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia crisis. Commercial LPG supplies to hotels and restaurants were also curtailed because of the disruption in imports.