Petrol and diesel prices remain an important part of household and travel expenses across India, particularly for people who commute daily or are planning long-distance journeys. On October 3, 2026, fuel consumers are once again checking the latest petrol and diesel rates in their cities before heading to filling stations.

According to the latest fuel price update, petrol and diesel rates in several major Indian cities have remained broadly unchanged today. However, the amount consumers pay at the pump continues to vary significantly from one city to another due to differences in state taxes, transportation expenses and other local factors.

Under India's fuel pricing system, petrol and diesel prices are reviewed regularly, with updated rates generally becoming effective from 6 AM. Consumers are therefore advised to check the latest price applicable in their location before refuelling.

Petrol and Diesel Prices on October 3, 2026

Fuel rates differ across metropolitan cities. According to the rates provided in the latest update, petrol costs ₹102.12 per litre in Delhi, while diesel is priced at ₹95.20 per litre.

Mumbai motorists are paying ₹111.21 per litre for petrol and ₹97.83 per litre for diesel. In Kolkata, petrol is listed at ₹113.51 per litre, while diesel costs ₹99.82 per litre.

Here are the petrol and diesel prices across six major cities on October 3:

Among these six cities, Hyderabad has the highest listed petrol and diesel prices, with petrol at ₹115.69 per litre and diesel at ₹103.82 per litre. Delhi, meanwhile, has the lowest rates in this particular comparison.

Why Do Petrol and Diesel Prices Differ Across Cities?

One common question among consumers is why fuel prices can vary considerably between cities even though petrol and diesel are sold by the same major oil marketing companies.

Several factors contribute to the final retail price.

One of the biggest reasons is taxation. State governments impose their own taxes, including value-added tax (VAT), on petrol and diesel. Since these tax structures are not identical across India, retail prices differ from state to state.

Transportation and distribution costs can also influence local prices. The cost of moving fuel from refineries and storage facilities to individual filling stations varies depending on location and logistics.

As a result, two motorists filling their tanks in different states can end up paying noticeably different amounts for the same quantity of fuel.

Crude Oil and Rupee-Dollar Movement Also Matter

India imports a substantial portion of the crude oil required to meet its energy needs. Consequently, international crude oil prices are an important factor in the broader fuel pricing environment.

Changes in global crude oil prices can affect the cost of petroleum products. At the same time, the rupee's exchange rate against the US dollar is also relevant because international crude oil transactions are largely denominated in dollars.

If crude oil becomes more expensive internationally or the rupee weakens against the dollar, the import cost can rise. However, changes in international crude prices do not necessarily translate into an immediate or identical change in retail petrol and diesel prices.

Taxes, refining and distribution costs, dealer margins and pricing decisions can all influence the final amount consumers pay.

When Are New Fuel Prices Announced?

Consumers commonly check fuel rates in the morning because revised petrol and diesel prices generally take effect from 6 AM.

Even when there is no change for several consecutive days, motorists may still want to verify the latest price before filling their vehicles, particularly when travelling between cities or states.

Fuel prices displayed at petrol pumps are based on the rate applicable to that particular location.

How Can Consumers Check the Latest Fuel Price?

Motorists can verify petrol and diesel prices through official channels provided by oil marketing companies. Fuel stations also display the applicable retail rates.

Checking prices can be particularly useful before a long road journey, as differences between cities may affect overall travel expenses.

For October 3, 2026, the supplied data shows no major change in the six cities listed above. Nevertheless, consumers should remember that petrol and diesel rates are location-specific and may be revised depending on pricing decisions, taxes, currency movements and broader market conditions.

With petrol ranging from ₹102.12 per litre in Delhi to ₹115.69 per litre in Hyderabad among the cities listed here, location continues to make a considerable difference to what motorists ultimately pay at the pump.