Petrol sales cross pre-pandemic level in Bengal

Monthly sale of petrol in Bengal has shown growth for the first time after lockdown in September, industry leader Indian Oil Corporation has said, as more people are commuting on two-wheelers.

The public sector oil marketing company, which has over 50 per cent share of the market in the state, sold 37,148 kilolitres (kl) of petrol as on Sunday (September 27) against 36,694kl in the same period last year, a growth of 1.2 per cent.

“As far as petrol is concerned, we have surpassed the pre-pandemic level,” Pritish Bharat, executive director and state head of IOC in Bengal, said. Sales of diesel, used by commercial vehicles and public transport — a barometer of wider economic activity — continue to remain subdued. Diesel sales are still down 20 per cent.