New Delhi, Aug 3 — India’s leading oil marketing companies — Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd — recorded a robust increase in diesel and petrol sales during July compared with the same month last year, reflecting elevated economic activity.

Diesel, the most widely consumed fuel in the country and used extensively in the farm and transport sectors, posted a double-digit growth of 10.7 per cent to 7.12 million tonnes, up from 6.43 million tonnes in July last year.

Higher demand was driven by delayed monsoon rains that prompted farmers to rely more on diesel pumps during the peak sowing season. The commissioning of new highways and expressways over the past year also contributed to increased commercial traffic. July’s diesel volumes were 11.5 per cent higher than the same month in 2024 and 12.7 per cent above 2023 levels.

Petrol sales of the three companies rose 9.7 per cent to 3.45 million tonnes in July from 3.14 million tonnes in the corresponding month of the previous year.

Jet fuel sales increased 2.9 per cent to 659,900 tonnes year-on-year. On a sequential basis, however, jet fuel volumes declined 4.6 per cent from 691,700 tonnes in June as some flights were cancelled due to monsoon-related weather disruptions.

Liquefied petroleum gas sales fell 17.4 per cent to 2.37 million tonnes. The decline followed the government’s encouragement to consumers to switch to piped natural gas as part of efforts to diversify supply amid LPG import disruptions linked to the choking of the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia crisis. Commercial LPG supplies to hotels and restaurants were also curtailed because of the same constraints.

The July figures underscore continued strength in transport and agricultural fuel demand even as LPG consumption adjusted to supply challenges and policy measures aimed at greater use of piped gas.