Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appealed to the countrymen to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel. He had said that in view of the global situation, energy saving has now become not only an economic necessity but also a national responsibility. This appeal of PM Modi has come at a time when due to Iran-Israel tension and West Asia crisis, a rise in fuel prices is being seen across the world.

How much impact did the energy crisis have on neighboring countries?

Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar are facing severe fuel crisis, whereas India has so far given great relief to the general public by keeping the prices of petrol and diesel stable. Between February 2026 and May 2026, huge fluctuations were seen in international crude oil prices, which had the biggest impact on South Asian countries. The sudden rise in petrol and diesel prices has shaken economies like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. On the other hand, India has kept itself in a relatively strong position by keeping fuel prices stable amid this global crisis.

The price of petrol in India in February 2026 was around ₹ 91.30 per liter and it remained at almost the same level till 10 May 2026. Despite global war-like circumstances and pressure in the oil market, there was no major change in domestic prices. This stability is also considered important because India imports most of the crude oil it needs. Despite this, strategic storage, imports from diverse sources and balancing tax structure provided relief to the common consumers.

Pakistan: double burden of inflation and tax

The situation in Pakistan appears to be most serious. The prices of petrol there had reached 400 to 450 Pakistani rupees per liter. If we look at it in Indian Rupees then it comes to around ₹ 122 to ₹ 133 per litre. On May 9, 2026, the government fixed the maximum depot price of petrol at Pakistani rupees 414.78 per liter, which is equivalent to about Rs 123 per liter in Indian currency. In this, approximately 144.26 Pakistani rupees were taxes and government fees, that is, about 34.8 percent of the total price was only indirect taxes.

Due to the energy crisis, the Government of Pakistan took steps like reducing office hours, banning non-essential lighting and limiting electricity consumption. In a country facing economic crisis, rising fuel prices are increasing the problems of the common people.

Myanmar: the most frightening situation

The situation in Myanmar was even worse. While in February 2026, the price of petrol was around 2,700 Myanmar Kyat per litre, which was around ₹95 in Indian currency, by May it increased to around 5,500 Kyat i.e. around ₹193 per litre. This is an increase of approximately 102 percent. Due to political instability and weak supply system, the fuel crisis there badly affected transportation and trade.

Sri Lanka: Crisis reached rationing

The price of petrol in Sri Lanka was around 240 Sri Lankan rupees per liter in February, which increased to around 338 Sri Lankan rupees per liter by May. In Indian currency it comes to about ₹ 106 per liter. In a country trying to overcome the economic crisis, the government had to implement QR code based rationing system. People are being given limited quantity of fuel so that consumption can be controlled. Rising prices have put additional pressure on Sri Lanka’s budget and transportation system.

Nepal: Most expensive fuel in South Asia

Petrol prices in Nepal were recorded among the highest levels in South Asia. Petrol there reached 219 Nepali rupees per liter, which is equivalent to approximately ₹137 per liter in Indian currency. Despite continued supplies from India, the impact of the global market was clearly visible there.

Bangladesh: heavy dependence on imports

Bangladesh imports about 95 percent of its energy needs. By May 2026, the price of petrol there will reach around 116 taka per liter, which is approximately ₹ 85 per liter in Indian currency. Amidst the crisis, India sent 5000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh on March 10, 2026 and continued the supply assistance further. Although prices increased there, the situation was not as bad as in Pakistan and Myanmar.

China: Prices reached equal to India

The situation in China was also interesting. In February, petrol there was around 6.5 yuan per liter i.e. around ₹ 75 per litre, but after the war and supply crisis, the prices increased to around 7.9 yuan i.e. ₹ 91 per litre. Now the prices of petrol in China and India have almost reached the same level.

The impact of this crisis across South Asia is not limited to petrol pumps only. In many countries, steps like switching off street lights, closing markets early, implementing work from home and saving electricity are being taken. Amidst this, India’s role has emerged as a power maintaining regional stability. By continuing to supply fuel to neighboring countries, India not only maintained strategic balance but also showed how important strong economic management is in times of global crisis.

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