1 / 12As of February 1, 2025, a litre of petrol in India’s financial capital Mumbai was prices at ₹105.01, while in New Delhi it was ₹94.77. Yes, many commuters feel the pinch of shelling out such high prices for an essential commodity, but the government is making efforts by enhancing the transport system to shed some burden from commuters. Nonetheless, lets take a look at countries where petrol is sold for barely any money and find out where India and Pakistan rank. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 12No 1. Iran | Iran remains the world leader for being the cheapest supplier of petrol to its residents, with petrol priced at just $0.029 (₹2.51) per litre. The country’s vast oil reserves allow for low production costs, while the government heavily subsidises fuel to maintain economic stability for its citizens. Despite international sanctions limiting Iran’s ability to sell oil and access foreign technology, fuel sold to neighbouring countries with higher prices and excessive domestic consumption continue to be major challenges.
3 / 12No 2. Libya | Libya follows closely behind Iran, with fuel priced at $0.031(₹2.51) per litre, making it the second least expensive globally. As the holder of Africa’s largest oil reserves, Libya benefits from its rich resources. However, the smuggling of subsidised fuel to neighbouring nations has been an ongoing issue, causing a loss in revenue.
4 / 12No 3. Venezuela | On the third spot in the South American country of Venezuela, which offers fuel to its citizens for as low as $0.035 (₹3.03) per litre. With some of the largest proven oil reserves, the country enjoys low production costs. The government subsidises petrol nearly to zero as part of its social agenda. However, hyperinflation has devalued the country’s currency, rendering subsidies unsustainable, while mismanagement in infrastructure and refineries has caused periodic shortages despite low prices. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 12No 4. Angola | In Angola, fuel is priced at $0.328 (₹28.44) per litre. As a leading oil producer in Africa, Angola’s domestic production helps keep fuel prices relatively affordable. Government subsidies ensure that petrol remains accessible, especially in rural regions. However, economic inequality means that these subsidies may not reach all citizens equally, and diversifying the economy beyond oil remains a challenge. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 12No 5. Egypt | Egypt sells petrol at $0.339 (₹29.39) per litre. As both a producer and consumer of petroleum, Egypt’s fuel prices reflect this dual role. The government subsidises fuel to make it affordable, especially for lower-income groups. Despite recent economic reforms and gradual reductions in subsidies, petrol prices remain lower than global averages.
7 / 12No 6. Algeria | Algeria’s fuel price stands at $0.340 (₹29.48) per litre (528.279 Naira). As a significant oil and gas producer, the country’s subsidies ensure affordable energy for its citizens. Algeria’s vast reserves of oil and natural gas help maintain low petrol costs, but dependence on oil revenue leaves the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
8 / 12No 7. Kuwait | Petrol in Kuwait costs $0.341 (₹29.56) per litre. Like other GCC countries on the countries on this list, Kuwait benefits from significant oil reserves that allow for some of the lowest production costs globally. The government’s social welfare programmes provide substantial subsidies on petrol, ensuring affordability for citizens. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 12No 8. Turkmenistan | Fuel in Turkmenistan is priced at $0.428 (₹37.11) per litre. With extensive natural gas and oil reserves, Turkmenistan keeps fuel costs low through state-controlled pricing and subsidies. The government ensures affordable petrol for citizens by providing cheap utilities and relying on domestic production rather than imports.
10 / 12No 9. Malaysia | In Malaysia, petrol is priced at $0.467 (₹40.49) per litre. As a net oil exporter, the country benefits from domestic production, which helps keep petrol prices low. Government subsidies make fuel affordable for the population, supporting the nation’s economic growth. (Image: Unsplash)
11 / 12No 10. Kazakhstan | Kazakhstan’s petrol costs $0.473 (₹41.01) per litre. Rich in oil and gas resources, Kazakhstan offers relatively low energy costs for its citizens due to its abundant natural reserves.
12 / 12No 11. Pakistan and India | While Pakistan occupies the 36th spot on the list, with a litre of petrol available for ₹79.67, India is on the 73rd spot on the list, with low subsidies. (Image: Reuters)
