India increased the retail prices of petrol and diesel on Saturday, March 2, 2024, following adjustments in global crude-oil prices [1, 2].

The price adjustments triggered a wave of misinformation on social media, where political figures amplified claims that the government had ordered massive hikes. This highlights the volatility of fuel pricing in India and the speed at which inaccurate financial data can spread through digital channels.

According to reports from Aaj Tak, the actual price increase for petrol was 87 paise per litre [2]. Diesel prices rose by 91 paise per litre [2]. These modest changes were attributed to domestic tax adjustments, and the fluctuating cost of crude oil on the global market [1, 2].

However, a viral claim shared by leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suggested a much steeper increase. The post stated that the central government would increase the price of petrol by ₹10 and diesel by ₹12.50 per litre [1].

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a fact-check on March 6, 2024, to clarify the government's position. A PIB spokesperson said, "The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has not issued any order for a price increase of ₹10 for petrol or ₹12.50 for diesel" [1].

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas oversees the regulation of fuel costs across nation-wide retail stations [1, 2]. While the modest hike affected consumers, the government said that the figures circulated by TMC leaders were inaccurate and not based on official orders [1].

“Petrol price increase was 87 paise per litre.”

The discrepancy between the actual price hike and the viral claims underscores the political sensitivity of fuel pricing in India. Because fuel costs directly impact inflation and transportation expenses, small adjustments are often leveraged by opposition parties to signal economic instability. The rapid intervention by the Press Information Bureau indicates a strategic effort by the central government to combat digital misinformation that could lead to public unrest.