Petrol, Diesel Cheaper In BJP-Ruled States? From Delhi To Telangana, Here’s The Reality

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 15:02 IST

Petrol and diesel prices continue to vary sharply across India after the latest hike. A comparison across BJP and Opposition-ruled states reveals a complex picture

Petrol and diesel prices jumped by Rs 3 per litre on Friday, but what you are paying at fuel stations still depends heavily on where you live — and, in many cases, who governs your state.

A comparison of fuel prices across BJP-ruled states and Opposition-ruled states shows there is no single nationwide pattern. Some BJP-ruled states continue to have among the cheapest petrol and diesel in the country, while others are among the costliest. The same trend shows up in Opposition-ruled states too.

The variation comes largely from state-level VAT and local levies added on top of the Centre’s excise duty.

BJP-Ruled States Show Wide Variation In Fuel Price

Among states governed directly by the BJP or where the party has its own Chief Minister despite ruling in an alliance, fuel prices vary significantly.

Delhi, Goa and Uttarakhand continue to remain among the cheaper fuel markets in the country even after the latest hike. Petrol prices in Delhi remain below the Rs 100-per-litre mark, while Goa and Uttarakhand too are relatively lower compared to several other states.

But many BJP-ruled states are also among India’s costliest fuel markets.

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan continue to record petrol prices above Rs 107-110 per litre in several cities. Maharashtra and West Bengal, too, remain expensive, while Odisha and Chhattisgarh are on the higher side compared to northern BJP-governed states.

Bihar also continues to record high petrol prices compared to several BJP-governed states.

The variation shows that BJP-ruled states themselves are split between low-tax and high-tax fuel regimes.

BJP Alliance-Run States Among The Costliest

Some of the highest fuel prices in the country are currently in states ruled by BJP allies.

Andhra Pradesh, governed by the TDP-led NDA alliance, remains among the most expensive states for both petrol and diesel, with petrol prices crossing Rs 111 per litre in parts of the state.

Northeastern NDA-led states such as Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim fall in the mid-to-high range, while Puducherry remains comparatively moderate.

Opposition-Ruled States Continue To Record High Fuel Rates

Several Opposition-ruled states also remain among the costlier fuel markets after the latest hike.

Congress-ruled Telangana and Kerala, where the Congress-led UDF came to power in the 2026 Assembly elections, are currently among the states with the highest petrol and diesel prices in the country.

Karnataka, ruled by the Congress, and Tamil Nadu (where Vijay’s TVK-led alliance came to power last week), too, remain on the expensive side, with fuel prices in major cities comfortably above the national average.

Punjab, ruled by the AAP, and Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress is in power, are relatively less expensive compared to southern opposition-ruled states, though prices there have also risen following the latest revision.

Which States Have The Cheapest Fuel?

Delhi continues to remain among the cheapest fuel markets in India despite the latest increase in prices.

Goa, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh also continue to record comparatively lower petrol and diesel prices than many other states.

Lower VAT rates and fewer local levies are among the key reasons these states continue to remain cheaper than the national average.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, MP Among India’s Costliest Fuel States

At the other end, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh remain among the costliest states for petrol and diesel.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal are also among the expensive fuel markets after the May 15 revision.

In many of these states, higher VAT rates, additional cess and local surcharges significantly increase the final retail price consumers pay at fuel stations.

Why Fuel Prices Differ Across States

Although the Centre revises excise duty uniformly, states impose their own VAT on petrol and diesel. Those taxes differ widely across India.

Some states calculate VAT as a percentage of fuel prices, meaning rates rise automatically after every increase. Others impose additional cess and surcharges to boost revenue.

Transport costs, dealer commissions and local taxes further widen the difference between states.

That is why motorists in one state can end up paying Rs 10-15 more per litre than those in another, even after the same nationwide fuel price hike.

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