Petrol and diesel prices remain an important part of the daily budget for millions of vehicle owners across India. Whether you are planning a long road trip, commuting to work or simply heading to the fuel station to refill your vehicle, checking the latest petrol and diesel rates can help you estimate your travel expenses.

Fuel prices can vary significantly from one location to another because of differences in state taxes, local levies, transportation costs and other factors. Oil marketing companies generally update petrol and diesel prices every day, with the revised rates becoming applicable from 6 am.

Here is a look at the petrol and diesel prices reported for August 21, 2026, across several major cities and regions.

Petrol Prices Today: August 21, 2026

Petrol prices continue to differ across major Indian cities. Among the locations listed below, Hyderabad has one of the highest petrol rates, while Chandigarh remains comparatively cheaper.

For motorists who regularly travel long distances, even a relatively small difference in the per-litre price can have a noticeable impact on monthly fuel spending.

Diesel Rates Today Across Major Cities

Diesel prices also vary depending on the location. Commercial vehicle operators, transport businesses and diesel car owners closely track these rates because changes in fuel costs can affect transportation and operating expenses.

Here are the reported diesel prices for August 21:

Among these locations, Hyderabad is showing the highest diesel rate at ₹103.82 per litre, while Chandigarh is considerably lower at ₹89.47 per litre.

Why Do Petrol and Diesel Prices Differ From City to City?

Consumers often wonder why they pay different fuel prices depending on where they live. Petrol and diesel retail rates are influenced by several components rather than being determined by crude oil prices alone.

The final amount paid at a fuel station may include the cost of the fuel, central government duties, state-level taxes, dealer commissions and transportation-related expenses. Since state taxes and local charges can vary, petrol and diesel may cost more in one state or city than another.

This is why motorists travelling between states can sometimes notice a significant difference in prices at fuel stations located only a few hundred kilometres apart.

Crude Oil Prices Remain in Focus

International crude oil movements are another important factor watched by the energy market. Brent crude was reported at around $90.99 per barrel, with Brent crude futures showing a marginal decline of approximately 0.07%.

In the domestic commodity market, crude oil futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) were reported to be trading in the range of approximately ₹8,132 to ₹8,138 per barrel.

Movements in international crude prices are closely monitored in India because the country relies substantially on imported crude oil to meet its energy requirements.

How Can Higher Crude Oil Prices Affect India?

A sustained increase in global crude oil prices can have broader economic implications. Higher import costs can increase pressure on India's import bill and may also influence the rupee.

Fuel costs can indirectly affect several other areas of the economy as well. Transportation expenses are an important component of the cost of moving food, consumer products, industrial materials and other goods across the country.

However, movements in international crude oil prices do not necessarily result in an immediate or equivalent change in retail petrol and diesel rates.

Check Your Local Fuel Station Before Refilling

The prices mentioned above provide a snapshot of reported rates across selected cities and regions on August 21, 2026. Actual prices at a petrol pump may differ depending on the location and applicable taxes or charges.

If you are planning to refill your vehicle today, it is advisable to verify the rate displayed at your local fuel station before making the payment. Checking the latest price is particularly useful before a long journey or when filling a large quantity of fuel.

With petrol and diesel forming a regular household and business expense, keeping track of daily fuel rates can help motorists plan their travel and transportation budgets more effectively.