Petrol vs diesel: why the price gap is narrowing
The petrol–diesel decision has changed — running cost, resale and usage now matter more than sticker price.
1 Jun 2026
The old rule of thumb that diesel “pays back” over time holds only at high annual mileage. As the upfront price gap and fuel-price difference shift, the right choice now depends on how you drive.
When diesel still makes sense
High highway mileage (roughly 20,000+ km a year) and a preference for strong low-end torque favour diesel, especially in larger SUVs.
When petrol/CNG/EV wins
For city-heavy, lower-mileage use, petrol (or CNG/EV) usually costs less overall once the price premium and maintenance are included. Estimate your yearly km first.
Compare variants and check your city’s on-road price on QLOCar before you decide.