Indian fuel sales slump 19-28% in May v April, in line with expectations

London, (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) - Sales of gasoline, diesel and jet in India slumped 19%, 20% and 28% in May compared to a month earlier as the country set out regional lockdowns to curb Covid-19.

According to preliminary data published by refiners, gasoline consumption was 58,000 mt (484,000 bpd), diesel 158,000 mt (1.17m bpd) and jet fuel 9,000 mt (71,000 bpd).

Compared to May 2019 figures, gasoline is down 28%, diesel 30% and jet 55%.

The figures are broadly in line with expectations after the refiners announced preliminary data that was similar for the first half of the month on 17 May.

India recorded 140,000 cases on Monday, a third of what it was at its peak as regional lockdowns and a pick up in the vaccine roll out curbed the spread of the virus.