Behind the petrol pump: Why fuel retailers losing Rs 7-8 per litre need $85 crude oil to stop bleeding cash

Oil companies face continued losses of Rs 7-8 per litre on petrol and diesel, with a breakeven point only at crude prices of $85-87 a barrel. Despite recent price hikes, government reluctance to reverse duty cuts and fiscal pressures mean OMCs are absorbing the pain, potentially impacting non-defence capital expenditure.