In a significant turn of events, petrol and diesel prices in India have seen a steep increase, with rates rising by approximately Rs 7.5 per litre over a span of just 11 days. The latest adjustments, which took effect on Monday, saw petrol prices rise by Rs 2.61–2.71 per litre, reaching their highest levels since May 2022. Cities like Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kolkata are now facing some of the highest fuel prices, with petrol in Hyderabad costing Rs 115.69 per litre. The rise in fuel costs has intensified inflation concerns and increased transportation expenses across the economy. This surge follows a prolonged period of price stability, which was maintained despite rising global crude oil prices. The Indian government is facing pressure to address high state-level Value Added Tax (VAT) rates, which can exceed 30% in some regions, as these taxes significantly contribute to the final retail price of fuel. As global crude oil prices continue to fluctuate, further hikes in petrol and diesel prices may become the norm.