For Keralites, the elation of finally getting a Chief Minister after a ten-day long sordid drama was tempered by the jolt of a fuel price hike announced by State-owned oil companies, which came into effect on Friday (May 15, 2026) at 6 a.m.
In Ernakulam and surrounding regions, diesel prices rose by ₹3.26 and petrol by ₹3.16, with a further revision not ruled out within a fortnight. Anticipating the hike, many vehicle owners had filled their tanks the previous night.
Petrol and diesel prices hike LIVE
“There is no shortage of fuel stock at petrol pumps at the moment. However, oil companies no longer insist on maintaining the mandatory three-day stock, which has now been relaxed to two days,” said Tomy Thomas, president of the All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders.
Oil companies have also largely withdrawn the credit facility offered to petroleum dealers. Indian Oil Corporation appears more lenient, allowing dealers to pay for a load already delivered before receiving the next within two or three days. The other two companies, however, insist on advance payment, said a petroleum dealer.
