Uttarakhand is witnessing a continuous rise in the number of vehicles, pushing petrol and diesel consumption to record levels in the hill state. Driven by tourism, the Char Dham Yatra and urbanisation, nearly three lakh new vehicles are being registered in the state every year.
According to available data, annual fuel consumption in Uttarakhand has reached nearly 1,800 million litres, which is higher than several other Himalayan states.
At present, Uttarakhand records monthly consumption of nearly 60,000 kilolitres of petrol and 90,000 kilolitres of diesel. On an annual basis, total fuel consumption reaches around 1,800 million litres.
Compared to the previous year, petrol consumption has increased by two percent, while diesel consumption has risen by six percent, indicating growing dependence on fuel in the state.
Vehicle sales in Uttarakhand have increased rapidly since the formation of the state. In 2000-01, nearly 11,000 vehicles were sold during the entire year, while annual registrations have now reached approximately three lakh vehicles.
Between 2000 and 2025, nearly 40 lakh vehicles were registered in the state. Dehradun recorded the highest number of vehicle purchases, while Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Haldwani and Kashipur also witnessed a sharp increase in vehicle numbers.
The number of vehicles entering the state from outside also remains high during tourism seasons and the Char Dham Yatra, contributing to sustained demand for petrol and diesel.
Experts said rising fuel consumption could pose challenges for both the environment and traffic management. In response, emphasis is being placed on promoting electric vehicles and public transport.
Fuel sales in Uttarakhand are currently being carried out through 978 petrol pumps. These include 431 outlets operated by Indian Oil, 214 by Bharat Petroleum and 254 by Hindustan Petroleum.
The government is also conducting awareness efforts to encourage fuel conservation and the adoption of alternative modes of transport.
