Petrol, ATF sales surge 8.5% in Oct

Petrol and jet fuel sales jumped around 8.5% year-on-year in October on increased travel during the festive season, while diesel sales—mainly used in commercial long-haul transport—stagnated.

Sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), primarily used for cooking in India, rose by 7.5%, according to the oil ministry data. However, diesel consumption has slowed this year due to a combination of factors, including high rainfall, a decline in vehicle sales, and a shift toward electricity use by farmers and railways. Diesel represents 40% of all refined product volumes consumed in the country, and its declining usage is impacting national oil demand.

During the festive season, there is typically a surge in leisure travel, leading to increased demand for petrol and aviation fuel.