On Friday, fuel prices in India saw an increase, with diesel rising by ₹3.11 per litre to ₹90.67 and petrol by ₹3.14 to ₹97.77. While petrol primarily impacts urban commuters, diesel's role as a backbone fuel for the economy means its price hikes have far-reaching consequences. Diesel fuels trucks, buses, tractors, and generators, making it integral to the supply chain and production processes. This connection means that when diesel prices rise, transport and production costs increase, leading to higher prices for goods, especially food. The inflation caused by diesel price hikes can affect everything from wholesale markets to online shopping deliveries, creating a ripple effect across the economy. Furthermore, rural areas, heavily reliant on diesel for farming and transport, experience greater impacts, leading to reduced farmer margins and increased food prices for consumers. Economists closely monitor diesel prices due to their influence on wholesale inflation and overall economic stability, as sustained increases can lead to higher interest rates and government intervention.