Fuel retailers in India are facing substantial losses, with state-run companies losing ₹20 per litre on petrol and ₹100 per litre on diesel due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. As international oil prices have risen sharply, reaching over $103 per barrel, the government has opted to maintain current pump prices to shield consumers from the volatility. This decision, however, may not be sustainable if the crisis continues, prompting experts to anticipate that oil companies might pass on some of their losses to consumers after the assembly elections, which conclude on April 29. The petroleum ministry clarified that there are no immediate plans to raise prices significantly, countering rumors of potential hikes of ₹25-28 per litre. To mitigate the financial impact on oil marketing companies (OMCs), the government recently reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each and imposed levies on exports of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to ensure domestic fuel supplies remain stable.