New Delhi, March 31 -- Petrol and diesel prices remained largely unchanged across major Indian cities, despite a global energy crisis precipitated by the effective shutdown of trade through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, oil prices have risen dramatically, with the Brent crude benchmark rising more than 50% in this period and touching $116 on Monday.

While Iran has granted exemptions to certain 'friendly' countries - including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan. among others - volatility persists in the international oil market, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the direction and duration of the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Despite the war having crossed the one-month m...