Petrol or diesel?

There was a time when the choice between a petrol and a diesel car was a no brainer. With the differential between the two fuels, averaging around Rs.20-30 based on the state on which you lived, it made more sense to buy diesel which was much much cheaper. As petrol prices rose, people started preferring diesel cars. Companies also started manufacturing more diesel variants and the customer was spoilt for choice.

But now things have changed since then. Today the price variation between the two is in the range of Rs.9 to 12 across various states. And there is talk of people not buying diesel any more. But is that really smart? Crisil has put out a report stating that as against earlier, when it took around 30 months to recover the premium paid to buy the diesel car but now, post the price hike, it takes around 6 years. Despite all these facts, it still makes more sense to go for a diesel car if – it’s for personal use (If it’s a truck, most certainly go for diesel), if you travel around 10,000 kms per year. It also gives much more mileage than petrol and is hence more cost efficient. It also enhances the life of the engine.

And for those who are practical enough to go for diesel remember to give preference to any European brand as Europe sells more diesel cars than the rest of the world while Japan and USA sell petrol.