Indian state retailers' diesel sales fell in the first half of September from the previous month, preliminary sales data showed on Monday, as monsoon rains hit industrial activity and mobility.

New Delhi: Indian state retailers' diesel sales fell in the first half of September from the previous month, preliminary sales data showed on Monday, as monsoon rains hit industrial activity and mobility.

Fuel demand in India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, typically falls during the four-month monsoon season beginning in June as parts of the country are affected by heavy floods.

The drop is attributed to reduced industrial activity and mobility caused by monsoon rains. Diesel sales by Indian state-owned retailers saw a decline in the first half of September compared to the previous month,