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Diesel: Petrol price difference merely 8 bucks now

The difference between the price of petrol and diesel has narrowed drastically in the past few years. As of January 28, 2018, petrol costs just Rs. 8 per litre more than diesel. In comparison, the difference between the prices of both fuels was Rs. 20 per litre back in January 2012. 

In 1977, the difference was just Rs. 0.59 per litre which then grew as diesel cars became more popular. In 2013, the gap stood at Rs. 17.76 per litre, which then dropped to Rs. 12.04 per litre in 2014. In 2015 and 2016, the difference between the prices was Rs. 14.53 and Rs. 11.05 per litre respectively. Last year, it was down to Rs. 9.90 per litre.

The ever reducing gap between fuel prices has also affected diesel car sales. It has been reported that diesel car sales have gone down by 25-30% in the past 3 years. According to a media report, out of the total cars sold in 2017-18, diesel cars amounted to just 23%. Carmakers like Honda and Maruti Suzuki have seen a drop in their diesel car sales. Sales of diesel versions of the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz dropped to 20% and 30% respectively as more buyers are opting for petrol cars.

Source: The Economic Times

 
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