US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised Washington’s intent to prevent geopolitical disruptions from distorting global energy markets, as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to affect oil supply routes and pricing dynamics.During discussions on energy security, Rubio’s office, quoted by Reuters, stressed that the US sees energy exports as a key instrument in strengthening partnerships, particularly with India, which remains a major crude importer navigating supply diversification challenges.In that context, Rubio said, “US energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply.” He also emphasized a broader US position on global energy stability amid the Iran-related crisis, with his office adding, “the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage.”The remarks come as the Iran war has disrupted global energy flows and contributed to volatility in oil markets, complicating efforts by Washington to reduce India’s reliance on Russian crude imports. The instability has added a new layer of complexity to US energy diplomacy in Asia, where supply security has become increasingly central to strategic engagement.Officials indicated that the ripple effects of the conflict have not only impacted global pricing but also slowed parts of Washington’s broader effort to realign energy trade flows away from sanctioned or high-risk suppliers.Rubio’s comments were made alongside broader engagement in New Delhi, where he met Indian leadership to discuss energy cooperation, trade expansion under the “Mission 500” framework, and Indo-Pacific strategic alignment through the Quad.In earlier public remarks, Rubio had also signalled a more aggressive US commercial energy posture toward India, saying, “We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy.”Separately, he reiterated India’s importance in Washington’s strategic outlook, describing it as a key partner in shaping long-term regional stability while the US continues to manage the economic and geopolitical spillovers of the Iran conflict.

NEW DELHI: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were increased by Re 1 per kg on Saturday, marking the third hike in less than 10 days amid rising global energy prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.With the latest revision coming into effect immediately, CNG in Delhi will now cost Rs 81.09 per kg. Prices in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad have risen to Rs 89.70 per kg, while Gurugram will see CNG priced at Rs 86.12 per kg.The latest hike follows a Rs 2 per kg increase announced on May 15 and another Re 1 per kg hike on May 17. With the latest revision, CNG prices in Delhi climbed to Rs 80.09 per kg, breaching the Rs 80-mark for the first time.

Revised rates of CNG in major cities

The fresh revision comes even as petrol and diesel prices were also increased again on Saturday, marking the third hike in less than 10 days.Petrol prices were raised by up to 87 paise per litre, while diesel prices increased by as much as 91 paise per litre across major cities.In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 99.51 per litre, up from Rs 98.64, while diesel prices rose from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49 per litre.The consecutive hikes in CNG, petrol and diesel prices come amid mounting pressure on global energy markets due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passes.Global crude oil prices, which were hovering around $70–72 per barrel before the conflict, surged past $120 at one stage and are currently trading in the $104–110 range. India’s crude oil basket has averaged nearly $113–114 per barrel in recent months, compared to around $69 per barrel in February.India imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making domestic fuel prices highly sensitive to international market movements.The back-to-back hikes in CNG, petrol and diesel prices are expected to increase transportation costs for private vehicle owners, cab drivers and commuters who depend on CNG as a relatively affordable fuel option.Meanwhile, commercial vehicle operators and taxi unions continued their protest across Delhi-NCR against rising fuel prices and stagnant fares.Transport bodies, including the All India Motor Transport Congress and Chalak Shakti Union, have demanded a rollback of recent fuel hikes, withdrawal of CNG surcharge and a revision in taxi fares, warning that mounting operational costs are severely impacting drivers’ livelihoods.Also read: Petrol, diesel prices hiked third time, sees increase by around 90 paise — check rates in your city