Who gains when crude prices go up?

Oil marketing companies (OMCs) in red - A common statement in today's news. But why are they in Red?

Let us say international crude oil prices are hovering around US$ 110 per barrel. That translates to about Rs 4,950 per barrel. Each barrel contains about 158.76 litres. So, effectively crude oil costs Rs 31.2 per litre. Now, add the cost of refining it to petrol or diesel. According to an oil company official, the refining cost is about 52 paise per litre. Add about Rs 6 as capital costs for the refinery. Then there's the cost of transportation (Rs 6) and dealer's commission (Rs 1.05). So, adding all that, the price of petrol comes to about Rs 44.77 per litre. But how much are we actually paying for petrol? With the recent hike in petrol prices, we are paying almost Rs 65-70 per litre. Who is the culprit - government. Government (both centre and state) charge huge levies on petrol, diesel etc and gains a lot when the prices of international crude go up, because they tax these products with a percentage of basic price and not a fixed price per litre.

So, while the common man is feeling the pinch of hiked prices every time, the government has the last laugh, with their coffers filled from these levies!

PS: above numbers may not be accurate, but an idea of the various components that are added to the cost of petrol.