India’s petrol and diesel consumption fell in the first half of August from the previous month and a year ago, as monsoon rains hit mobility and slowed industrial activity, preliminary data of state-owned firms showed on Wednesday. This is the second month in a row that fuel sales have fallen. The four months of monsoon generally see muted consumption.

Consumption of diesel, the most consumed fuel in the country accounting for about two-fifths of the demand, fell 5.7 per cent to 2.67 million tonnes from August 1 to 15, compared to the year-ago period.

Consumption had fallen by a steep 15 per cent in the first half of July but picked up in the second fortnight.