NEW DELHI: India’s demand for petrol, diesel and jet fuel has declined by up to a third in the last five weeks, while power consumption dropped by a quarter as the coronavirus pandemic and the 21-day lockdown to check the infection from spreading brought almost all commercial and industrial activities to a grinding halt.
But LPG demand recorded 4% growth during this period as families were confined to their homes due to the lockdown. On year-ago basis, the demand is higher by 6.5%.
Latest data from grid operator POSOCO shows power consumption dropping to 2.59 billion units on Friday, the third day of the national lockdown. This is a level last seen on March 1, 2015, when India had 25% less generation capacity.
Power consumption has fallen as the lockdown hit the largest chunk of demand — industry (41%), agriculture (18%) and commercial establishments (8%). Domestic consumption make up 33% of the demand, which is expected to rise over the next fortnight or so when families staying at home switch on air-conditioners as temperature rises.
