Petrol and diesel prices for August 8, 2026, have been released across India, giving motorists another opportunity to check the latest fuel rates before heading to the filling station. Oil marketing companies update retail petrol and diesel prices every morning at 6 am, taking into account several domestic and international factors.

Fuel rates in most major cities remain broadly stable. However, petrol and diesel do not cost the same everywhere in the country because state-level taxes, VAT, transportation expenses and other local charges can create significant differences between cities.

International crude oil prices and movements in the rupee against the US dollar are also important factors influencing the broader fuel pricing environment in India.

Petrol and Diesel Prices on August 8, 2026

According to the rates provided for August 8, here are the latest petrol and diesel prices in major Indian cities:

Among the cities listed above, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram continue to have comparatively expensive petrol, while Chandigarh has significantly lower petrol and diesel rates.

Since fuel prices can vary even within a state or between nearby cities, consumers should check the applicable rate in their location before purchasing fuel.

Why Do Petrol and Diesel Prices Differ Across India?

The price displayed at a petrol pump is not determined by crude oil alone. Several components are added before petrol or diesel reaches the final consumer.

One of the biggest reasons for differences between states is taxation. State governments impose VAT and other applicable charges at different rates. Transportation and dealer-related expenses can also vary depending on location.

As a result, two cities can have noticeably different retail prices even when the underlying fuel comes from the same broader supply system.

How International Crude Oil Prices Affect Fuel Rates

Crude oil is the primary raw material used to manufacture petrol, diesel and several other petroleum products. India imports a substantial portion of the crude oil it requires, making movements in global oil markets important for the domestic energy sector.

When international crude oil becomes more expensive, the cost of importing it can increase. A prolonged rise in global prices can therefore put upward pressure on domestic fuel costs.

Similarly, lower international crude prices can reduce import costs, although the benefit may not always translate immediately or proportionately into retail petrol and diesel rates because several other components are involved in determining the final pump price.

Rupee-Dollar Exchange Rate Also Matters

The exchange rate is another important part of the fuel pricing equation.

International crude oil transactions are largely conducted in US dollars. Therefore, changes in the value of the Indian rupee against the dollar can influence India's crude oil import bill.

If the rupee weakens against the dollar, Indian refiners may have to spend more rupees to purchase the same amount of crude oil. A stronger rupee, on the other hand, can help reduce some of the currency-related pressure on import costs.

Taxes Make Up an Important Part of Pump Prices

Central and state-level taxes and duties are another major component of retail fuel prices.

Differences in state taxation are one of the main reasons petrol and diesel prices are not uniform across the country. This explains why motorists in cities such as Hyderabad, Jaipur or Thiruvananthapuram may pay considerably more than consumers in Chandigarh or Delhi.

Changes in taxes can therefore have a direct impact on the amount consumers ultimately pay at fuel stations.

Refining and Distribution Costs Also Influence Prices

Crude oil cannot be directly used as petrol or diesel. It must first undergo refining before being converted into usable petroleum products.

The cost of this process depends on factors such as the type and quality of crude oil, refinery efficiency, operational expenses and processing requirements.

After refining, petrol and diesel must also be transported to storage facilities and fuel stations across the country. Freight, logistics and dealer-related expenses are consequently incorporated into the final retail price.

Demand and Supply Can Change the Fuel Market

Like most commodities, crude oil and petroleum products are also influenced by demand and supply.

A rise in global oil demand without a corresponding increase in supply can push crude prices higher. Similarly, disruptions in production or transportation can tighten availability and affect prices.

Geopolitical tensions, production decisions by major oil-producing countries and changes in global economic activity can also influence crude oil markets.

Why Have Indian Fuel Prices Remained Relatively Stable?

Retail petrol and diesel prices in India have seen long stretches of stability despite frequent fluctuations in international crude oil markets.

Tax reductions by the central government and some states since 2022 have played a role in shaping retail prices. At the same time, domestic pricing decisions by oil marketing companies and other market conditions determine how changes in international costs eventually reach consumers.

Therefore, a rise or fall in global crude oil prices does not necessarily mean motorists will see an identical change at petrol pumps immediately.

How to Check Petrol and Diesel Prices Through SMS

Consumers can also check the latest fuel prices using SMS services offered by major oil marketing companies.

Indian Oil customers can send an SMS containing “RSP” along with the applicable city code to 9224992249.

BPCL customers can send “RSP” to 9223112222 to check the latest rate.

HPCL customers can send “HP Price” to 9222201122 for fuel price information.

Because retail fuel prices are location-specific, checking the latest city-level rate can help motorists know exactly how much petrol and diesel cost before visiting a fuel station.

For August 8, 2026, the listed rates show substantial differences between cities, largely reflecting variations in state taxes and other local pricing components. Consumers should therefore rely on the latest applicable local rate rather than assuming petrol and diesel prices are uniform across India.