While some states outside Delhi-NCR enjoy petrol prices below Rs 100, others, like Bihar, Bengal, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, see prices soaring past this mark. But have you ever wondered how much petrol costs in neighboring countries?
Recently, an Indian traveler visiting Bhutan was taken aback by the petrol prices there.
Mohd. Arbaaz Khan, upon arriving in Bhutan, was surprised to find a Bharat Petroleum petrol pump. Capturing the moment on video, he was stunned when he saw the displayed fuel prices. In the clip, he exclaims, “Something amazing happened in Bhutan! I’m here right now, and look—Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil petrol pumps are present. These are Indian petrol companies, but you won’t believe the petrol prices here.”
Arbaaz then films the price at the pump near the India-Bhutan border, revealing that petrol costs around Rs 64 per litre (Rs 63.92). The video highlights that the Bhutanese ngultrum is nearly equal in value to the Indian rupee, meaning petrol, which sells for approximately Rs 100 per litre in India, is significantly cheaper in Bhutan.
The video quickly went viral, racking up over 63 lakh views and millions of likes and shares in just two days. Social media users flooded the comments section with reactions.
Some questioned how Bhutan could offer such low prices despite importing petrol from India. Others pointed out that India’s high fuel costs are primarily due to heavy taxation by both central and state governments, arguing that reducing state taxes could lower prices substantially. Many users expressed frustration over the rising petrol prices in India.
A user named Subhash cited India’s massive population as a key reason for its higher fuel expenditure, making cheaper prices impractical. Meanwhile, Kamlesh Rai attributed Bhutan’s affordability to its monarchy, where the king ensures free education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.