(Pooja Dubey, Intern Journalist) The impact of the festive season on major diesel fuel is visible. For the first time since the lockdown, diesel sales in the country crossed the pre-Covid level. According to official sources, in the first fortnight (15 days) of October, diesel sales increased by 9 percent to 2.65 million tonnes over the same period last year.
October sales are up about 25 percent over September. Fuel sales of oil marketing companies fell nearly 60 percent in April after a nationwide lockdown. Sales growth began to improve from June after the lockdown was lifted.
Diesel sales increased due to increased transport activities before the festive season. Along with Navratri across the country, the festive season has started on Saturday. It will last till Diwali and Christmas.
Petrol sales had already started increasing after unlocking started. In the first 15 days of October, petrol sales were up 1.5 percent to around 1 million tonnes.