Sales of petrol, diesel and jet fuel rise 9-10% year-on-year in May

Sales of petrol, diesel and jet fuel rose 9-10% year-on-year in May as economic activity expanded and summer holidays spurred leisure travel.

Petrol sales jumped 10.4% over the same month last year, according to the preliminary sales data gathered from state-run oil companies. The consumption of petrol was nearly a quarter higher than in May 2019. Increased holiday travel, robust car and motorbike sales, and overall expansion in economic activity have all contributed to strong sales growth for petrol.

Diesel consumption rose 9.3% in May helped by increased industrial and mining activity and retail demand. Elections in Karnataka also helped boost diesel demand. Diesel sales in May were 7% higher than in May 2019.