NEW DELHI: India consumed nearly 9 per cent more diesel in the first fortnight of October than it did in the same period a year ago and petrol sales remained 1.5 per cent higher than the previous corresponding period, indicating a strong economic rebound on the back of festive demand.
This is the first time after the countrywide lockdown that diesel consumption, an indicator of economic activities, has exceeded last year’s level. Petrol sales had shot past pre-pandemic levels in September as people slowly began overcoming Coronavirus fears and preferred to use personal vehicles to get around.
According to latest data, diesel sales in the first fortnight of October jumped more than 24% from the same period of September as monsoon receded and festive demand kicked in. Petrol rose 1.5% month-on-month as the festive mood set in and people began venturing out.
