Petrol sales rise 12%, diesel up 18% as economy gathers steam

Petrol and diesel sales rose 12% and 18%, respectively, in July over the last year’s low base and as economic activity gained pace, according to the preliminary data from state-run oil companies.

Petrol sales were 16% higher than in July of 2019 while diesel sales were 5% higher. Petrol had quickly recovered from the pains of the pandemic after lockdowns were lifted but diesel has taken very long to reach the pre-Covid levels. In the past two months, the demand for diesel has risen at a scorching pace.