Fuel Prices: Gasoline and Diesel - The Hidden Costs of Taxes and Margins

In an ideal world, without taxes and margins, gasoline would cost Rs 25.47 and diesel Rs 27.17. These amounts reflect the costs of fuel, insurance, and freight, according to the Price Structure from the State Trading Corporation (STC) dated November 3, 2025. However, how is it possible that gasoline and diesel cost twice as much at the pump?

For gasoline, out of every liter paid at Rs 58.45 at the pump, only Rs 25.47 corresponds to the fuel itself, ...