As of May 15, petrol prices in India reveal significant disparities across major cities, with Delhi's price at ₹97.77 per litre, while Kolkata leads at ₹108.74, followed by Mumbai at ₹106.68 and Chennai at ₹103.67. The primary reason for these differences lies in state Value Added Tax (VAT) rates, which vary significantly from one state to another. Unlike GST, which standardizes tax rates across goods and services, petrol and diesel remain outside this system, allowing states to impose their own taxes. For instance, Delhi maintains lower VAT rates compared to states like Maharashtra and West Bengal, contributing to its cheaper fuel prices. While transportation costs do play a role in pricing, they are not the main factor; local taxation is far more influential. The recent price hike comes amid rising global crude oil prices, which have been affected by geopolitical tensions. Despite these fluctuations, the Indian government assures that there is no fuel shortage. The ongoing debate about including petrol and diesel under GST continues, as states rely heavily on fuel taxes for revenue, making them resistant to change. Until a national pricing system is established, fuel prices will likely remain inconsistent across India.