The Indian Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) has released its much-awaited print media fuel cost report, revealing a significant 15% rise in fuel expenses for newspaper delivery operations during the first half of 2025. The spike in costs is attributed to a combination of global fuel price fluctuations, regulatory changes, and outdated logistics models still used by many regional publishers.
As per the transport expense insights offered in the July 2025 report, publishers across India—particularly those operating in metro cities—have seen a sharp increase in monthly operational costs. This development is pushing media houses to reevaluate their transport strategies, invest in fuel-efficient technologies, and consider electric vehicle adoption to safeguard profitability in the long run.
Key Findings from the Print Media Fuel Cost Report
The print media fuel cost report covers data from over 120 publishing houses across 20 states, analyzing transport operations between January and June 2025. It focuses on last-mile newspaper deliveries using commercial vans and two-wheelers.
Some of the major insights under the transport expense insights category include:
-
A 15.3% average rise in fuel expenditure per delivery van
-
Diesel prices surged by ₹9.25/litre between February and June
-
Metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi reported the highest cost burden
-
Average monthly fuel spend per delivery van rose from ₹18,500 to ₹21,300
-
Non-EV publishers faced steeper increases compared to hybrid or EV users
The INPA report is seen as a wake-up call for regional publishers still relying on conventional fuel-powered delivery fleets without exploring cost-saving alternatives.
Comparative Analysis of Delivery Costs (2024 vs 2025)
To better understand the budget impact of rising fuel costs, the following table compares data between 2024 and 2025 for newspaper delivery operations:
| Metric | 2024 (Avg) | 2025 (Avg) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Price (Diesel) per Litre | ₹89.70 | ₹98.95 | +10.3% |
| Monthly Fuel Spend per Van | ₹18,500 | ₹21,300 | +15.3% |
| Deliveries per Van (Daily Avg) | 420 | 400 | -4.8% |
| Fuel Efficiency (km/l) | 9.2 | 8.5 | -7.6% |
| Fuel Cost as % of Total Ops Budget | 28% | 34% | +6% |
INPA Recommendations and Industry Response
To address the growing financial burden, the print media fuel cost report includes several recommendations for publishers, urging them to modernize their transport operations and adopt more sustainable practices. These recommendations align with broader transport expense insights provided in the report.
Key recommendations include:
-
Gradual transition to electric or hybrid delivery vehicles
-
Adoption of route optimization software to reduce mileage
-
Timely maintenance and tuning of existing fleets to improve efficiency
-
Exploring shared delivery models with nearby publishing groups
-
Applying for government subsidies under EV transition programs
Several large media houses have already begun acting on these suggestions. For instance, Times Group has announced plans to convert 40% of its Mumbai fleet to EVs by early 2026.
Regional Challenges and Implementation Barriers
While metro-based publishers are relatively well-positioned to modernize, smaller publications operating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities face substantial challenges:
-
Lack of charging infrastructure in non-urban zones
-
Higher upfront costs of acquiring electric vehicles
-
Shortage of trained EV drivers and technicians
-
Limited awareness of fuel management technologies
Despite these issues, INPA believes that if publishers act proactively, most of the industry can achieve at least a 25% reduction in delivery-related emissions and costs by 2027.
Conclusion
The latest print media fuel cost report by INPA underscores an urgent need for transformation in the newspaper distribution sector. With rising fuel prices threatening the sustainability of traditional delivery models, publishers must embrace the transport expense insights highlighted in the report and transition toward smarter, cleaner alternatives. The year 2025 could well be a turning point for the Indian print media industry’s logistics infrastructure—and those who act early will likely lead the change.
FAQs
What is the main finding of the print media fuel cost report?
The report shows that fuel expenses for newspaper delivery vans have risen by over 15% in the first half of 2025 due to diesel price hikes and operational inefficiencies.
Why are transport expense insights important for publishers?
These insights help publishers understand how rising fuel costs affect their bottom line and guide them to adopt cost-saving technologies and green transport options.
How can publishers reduce delivery fuel costs?
INPA recommends transitioning to EVs, optimizing delivery routes, and maintaining vehicles properly to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce expenses.
Which cities are most affected by rising fuel costs?
Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have reported the highest increases in delivery costs due to traffic congestion and longer routes.
Are electric vehicles a viable solution?
Yes, especially in cities with better EV infrastructure. They offer lower operational costs, reduced emissions, and are increasingly supported by government incentives.
Click here to learn more