Have you ever wondered why fuel prices in Maharashtra leave a more significant dent in your wallet than in Delhi? The considerable price disparity between these two states has been a subject of curiosity and frustration for many car owners.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the reasons behind the high fuel prices in Maharashtra and compare them to the relatively lower prices in Delhi.
Buckle up as we explore the factors contributing to this discrepancy and shed light on how you can stay informed about fuel prices in your city.
The variation in fuel prices across different states in India can be attributed to the taxes and VAT rates set by state governments.
One of the significant factors contributing to this difference is the tax structure and VAT rates imposed on fuel.
In Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Aurangabad:
For Petrol: 26% VAT + Rs. 5.12/Litre additional tax.
For Diesel: 24% VAT.
In the rest of Maharashtra:
For Petrol: 25% VAT + Rs. 5.12/Litre additional tax.
For Diesel: 21% VAT.
In Delhi:
For Petrol: 19.40% VAT.
For Diesel: Rs. 250/KL air ambience charges + 16.75% VAT.
The government of Maharashtra imposes higher taxes and surcharges on fuel, leading to a higher base fuel price in the state.
Conversely, Delhi benefits from lower taxes and VAT rates on fuel, resulting in a relatively lower base price of fuel.
These tax variations directly influence the final fuel prices, with people in Delhi paying less for fuel at the petrol pumps than in Maharashtra.
The geography and transportation dynamics of a region can significantly impact fuel prices. In the case of Maharashtra and Delhi, the varying distances to refineries and the associated transportation costs play a crucial role in determining fuel prices in these regions.
Because of its size, it takes longer to transport fuel from refineries to retail outlets across the state.
This transportation process involves using trucks and other vehicles to move fuel from where it is made to where it is sold.
The longer distance and more complicated logistics result in higher transportation costs.
Transportation costs refer to the money spent moving fuel from one place to another.
In Maharashtra, these costs are higher because of the long distances and challenges in transportation.
These costs are added to the overall price of fuel, which means consumers in Maharashtra end up paying more.
When transportation costs are higher, fuel prices also tend to be higher.
The extra money spent on transportation is passed on to consumers, making fuel more expensive in Maharashtra.
It's like when you order something online, and if the delivery person has to travel a long way to bring it to you, the shipping cost might be higher, and you end up paying more for the product.
In contrast to Mumbai, Delhi, the capital city of India, has certain advantages when it comes to fuel prices.
There are two major refineries in the vicinity of Delhi:
Panipat Refinery: The Panipat Refinery is operated by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., approximately 105 kilometres from Delhi.
Mathura Refinery: The Mathura Refinery is also operated by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., approximately 154 kilometres from Delhi.
Being closer to the refineries means the transportation distance is shorter, and moving fuel around is easier.
This advantage results in lower transportation costs, so fuel prices in Delhi are relatively lower compared to Maharashtra.
Several other factors contribute to the price disparity between Maharashtra and Delhi.
These factors include global crude oil prices, refinery capacity, fuel quality standards, and market dynamics.
Fluctuations in global crude oil prices directly impact fuel prices, and any changes in refining capacity or fuel quality requirements can influence the cost.
Market dynamics, such as competition among retailers and local economic conditions, also affect fuel pricing.
In conclusion, the significant difference in fuel prices between Maharashtra and Delhi can be attributed to multiple factors, including tax structure, transportation costs, local demand, and market dynamics.
Understanding these factors helps car owners make informed decisions and plan fuel expenses accordingly.
To stay up-to-date with fuel prices in your city, we recommend downloading the Park+ app. With Park+, you can access real-time fuel price information, find the best deals on fuel, and discover additional services tailored to car owners.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fuel expenses. Download the Park+ app today!
Remember, Park+ offers more than just fuel price information. Explore the app to discover a range of services, including car parking assistance, traffic challan management, FASTag recharge, used car trading, and car insurance.