Fuel sales recovery falters in July on state lockdowns, monsoon

NEW DELHI: Recovery in India’s fuel sales faltered in July after showing signs of recovery in early June as lockdowns in states and the monsoon subdue economic activities and vehicular movement.
The lockdown had halved demand for petrol and diesel. But once restrictions were eased in June, petrol sales jumped to 83% and diesel to 85% of their year-ago levels. Jet fuel sales, which had tanked 90% in April, remained subdued at 32% of June 2019 sales on limited flight operations. LPG sales grew by more than 16% on the back of government scheme to provide free refills to the poor.
But July saw diesel sales dropping to 75% and petrol 83% of July 2019 levels. Jet fuel sales gained marginal ground at 35% of the year-ago period, while LPG consumption declined 5% as refill bookings tapered off.