Petrol Price Time Machine
Travel back in time to see what petrol cost when you were born, got your first job, or any year since 1970. Discover how fuel prices have changed across decades in India.
⛽
Rs 28.50
Petrol price in 2000
Today's Price
Rs 95.50
Total Increase
235%
Price Journey
Rs 0.55 (1970)
Rs 95+ (2025)
Nominal Increase
235%
+Rs 67/L
Inflation Adjusted
Rs 114.20
Real: -16%
🚗 Full Tank Comparison
Tank Fill in Selected Year
Rs 1,140
40L tank
Tank Fill Today
Rs 3,820
+Rs 2,680
💰 Purchasing Power
Liters with Avg Salary (Then)
280L
Avg: Rs 8,000/mo
Liters with Avg Salary (Now)
575L
Avg: Rs 55,000/mo
📈 Historical Price Chart
⚠️ The Verdict
Petrol has outpaced inflation significantly! Your purchasing power for fuel has decreased.
💡 Fun Fact
In 2000, Y2K fears passed peacefully. Petrol at Rs 28 seemed expensive then!
How to Use the Petrol Price Time Machine
- Select a Year: Use the slider to pick any year from 1970 to 2025. See the petrol price for that year instantly.
- Enter Your Birth Year: This helps generate relevant milestone buttons like "Birth Year," "First Job," and "Marriage."
- Use Milestone Presets: Click quick buttons to jump to significant years in your life.
- Set Tank Size: Adjust your car's tank capacity for accurate fill-up cost comparisons.
- Compare Results: See the price difference, inflation-adjusted values, and purchasing power changes.
Understanding Petrol Price History in India
India's petrol prices have seen dramatic changes over the decades, influenced by global oil markets, government policies, and economic reforms.
Key Milestones in Indian Petrol Pricing
- 1970: Petrol cost just 55 paise per liter - less than a cup of chai today!
- 1973-74: First oil crisis - prices nearly tripled due to Arab oil embargo
- 1980: Second oil shock pushed prices past Rs 4
- 1991: Economic liberalization led to gradual deregulation
- 2002: Administered Pricing Mechanism (APM) began dismantling
- 2010: Petrol pricing deregulated, prices linked to global markets
- 2014: Diesel deregulation completed under new government
- 2021: Petrol crossed Rs 100 for the first time - historic milestone
Why Petrol Prices Keep Rising
Global Crude Oil: India imports 85%+ of its oil. International crude prices directly impact pump prices.
Taxes: Central excise + State VAT can make up 50-60% of retail price!
Rupee Depreciation: Weakening INR against USD makes imports costlier.
Refinery Costs: Processing and transportation add to base cost.
Real vs Nominal Price Increase
While nominal prices have increased 170x since 1970 (Rs 0.55 to Rs 95), adjusting for inflation tells a different story. In real terms, petrol has increased about 3-4x - still significant, but less dramatic than raw numbers suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the petrol price in 1990?
In 1990, petrol cost approximately Rs 9 per liter in major Indian cities. This was just before the economic liberalization of 1991, which began a new era of pricing reforms.
When did petrol first cross Rs 50?
Petrol crossed Rs 50 per liter around 2008, during the global oil price spike when crude briefly touched $147 per barrel. It was a psychological milestone that made headlines across India.
How much has petrol increased since 2000?
From Rs 28.50 in 2000 to around Rs 95 in 2025, petrol has increased by approximately 235% over 25 years. However, average salaries have increased about 7x in the same period, so affordability has actually improved slightly.
Why are petrol prices different in different states?
State governments charge different VAT rates on petrol. Maharashtra has higher VAT than Goa, for example. Transport costs also vary based on distance from refineries. That's why Mumbai petrol costs more than Chennai.
Is petrol cheaper or costlier than before in real terms?
It depends on the comparison year. Compared to 2000, petrol is costlier in real terms. But compared to the 1970s oil crisis years, it's actually cheaper when adjusted for inflation. The key is that salaries have generally risen faster than petrol prices.
What's the highest petrol price ever in India?
Petrol touched all-time highs in May-June 2022, with some cities seeing Rs 120+ per liter. Mumbai briefly exceeded Rs 115. Central excise cuts later brought prices down to around Rs 95-105 depending on location.