Diesel demand has returned to pre-Covid-19 levels as sales rose 8.8% in the first half of October from a year ago. This is the first annual increase in sales of diesel since the lockdown in late March. Demand for petrol was more resilient due to increased preference for using personal vehicles due to social distancing. A pent-up demand and the upcoming festive season supported fuel sales. India witnessed unprecedented demand destruction after a nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25. Oil demand fell by as much as 49% in April.