Since India's independence in 1947, petrol prices have seen a dramatic increase from ₹0.25 per litre to over ₹100. The recent surge marks the fourth price hike in less than two weeks, with an increase of nearly ₹7.5 per litre affecting all major metro cities. This escalation is attributed to various factors including fluctuations in global crude oil prices, volatility in the rupee-dollar exchange rate, and government policies regarding taxes and subsidies. A historical overview shows that petrol prices were relatively stable until the late 1990s, when the government began to deregulate prices. By 2000, petrol was priced at ₹25.94, and significant increases were noted in subsequent years, with prices reaching ₹51.43 in 2010 and ₹72 in 2014. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw prices stabilize around ₹80 per litre. The current trend indicates that petrol prices will continue to be a critical issue for consumers and policymakers alike.