Petrol and diesel rates in India remained unchanged on Thursday with only minor variations noted in some locations. Oil marketing companies have kept prices fixed since the last adjustment on 25 May. Brent crude prices moved higher amid fresh conflict between the United States and Iran. The benchmark rose 1.4 percent to close above 79 dollars per barrel on Thursday after gaining more than 5 percent the previous day, according to Bloomberg. Renewed clashes raised worries about energy supplies from the region and affected market confidence. US President Donald Trump stated that an interim peace deal with Iran had ended and warned of possible renewed restrictions on Iranian ports along with further strikes, including potential action at the Kharg Island export facility. He described the attacks as retaliation for incidents involving Iranian vessels and indicated stronger measures if tensions continued. Analysts noted that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push prices up by another 10 dollars, while continued supply flows might limit further increases. Prices in major cities on 9 July were recorded as follows: New Delhi petrol 102.12 rupees and diesel 95.20 rupees; Kolkata 113.51 and 99.82; Mumbai 111.21 and 97.83; Chennai 107.77 and 99.55; Gurugram 102.97 and 95.64; Noida 101.96 and 95.44; Bengaluru 111.68 and 99.56; Bhubaneswar 108.97 and 100.68; Chandigarh 101.54 and 89.47; Hyderabad 115.69 and 103.82; Jaipur 112.66 and 97.78; Lucknow 101.86 and 95.36; Patna 113.37 and 99.36; Thiruvananthapuram 115.49 and 104.41. Separately, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal wrote to 29 car manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar requesting replies within seven days on how 20 percent ethanol blended fuel affects mileage and vehicle performance. He asked for written assurances that owners would receive compensation for any losses and questioned differences between company manuals limiting ethanol content to 10 percent and recent public statements by some firms.
